How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards on Your Hulu Subscription

Cord-cutting in the United States has exploded in popularity in the past few years. It is estimated that 14,000 people are saying goodbye to their traditional TV companies every single day. Streaming services are an appealing alternative for many viewers seeking original programming, lower costs, and the flexibility to watch their favorite shows anywhere with an internet connection.

Hulu is a great alternative to cable. It offers a wide variety of content to entertain all audiences, including original content, syndicated content from large networks like FOX and ABC, and live TV content such as live sports. There’s essentially something for every viewer on Hulu.

As an added bonus, there are several outstanding credit cards you can use to earn valuable rewards on your Hulu subscription. So if you are looking to cut ties with cable companies, read on to learn how you can get the most out of Hulu.

How much does Hulu cost?

While other streaming services have only a few plans to choose from, Hulu can be customized to your liking. Here's a quick look at much Hulu costs:

• Hulu plan: $7.99/month
• Hulu No Ads plan: $14.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV plan: $69.99/month with ads or $82.99/month without
  

Each Hulu plan offers unique features that will appeal to different viewers. Whether you're looking for enhanced cloud DVR, unlimited screens, and add-ons for other languages, you can build your ideal Hulu experience based on your needs.

Enhanced cloud DVR is basically a fancy way of saying that you can record and re-watch live programming whenever you want. This is a perfect feature if you are unable to watch the local news one evening or enjoy having a football game saved to rewatch after the excitement is over. Without the enhancement add-on, you will have access to 50 hours of DVR space. With the add-on, you will have 200 hours of DVR space. And don't forget, the best part of DVR is that you can fast-forward through the commercials.

If you plan on sharing your Hulu login with your friends and/or family, the unlimited screens add-on is a must. However, there are limits to premium networks like HBO and Cinemax — you can only stream to a maximum of five devices.

Lastly, if you enjoy content in Spanish, you can purchase the Espanol add-on to access content on networks like ESPN Deportes and NBC Universo.

Hulu plan

It will cost you $7.99/month for the basic Hulu plan, which is one of the most cost-efficient streaming options. With this plan, you will have to watch advertisements during your shows, and you will not be able to watch simultaneously with other people.

This plan is best for someone looking to access great content, doesn’t mind watching the occasional commercial, and wants to save on their subscription bills.

Hulu No Ads plan

If you cannot bear watching ads during your marathon of 30 Rock, the Hulu No Ads plan will be a great go-to. This plan will cost you a bit more at $14.99 per month.

This plan is great for someone who is willing to spend a bit more money to enjoy their shows without pesky commercial interruptions.

Hulu + Live TV plan

To cater to sports fans and users who are joining the cord-cutter movement, Hulu also has live TV content. It includes many of the major TV networks that we are familiar with.

However, it is a significant price jump to either $69.99 or $82.99 per month. The $69.99 plan comes with Hulu, Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+, but all come with ads. If you opt for the $82.99 monthly plan, you'll have access to the above channels without ads. The only exception is ESPN+, which has ads on either tier.

This plan is great for someone who wants to have the full suite of content and wants to cut cable from their monthly bills. With this much content, you will be well entertained, so you can make that call to your cable company without hesitation.

What are the best credit cards for Hulu?

If you are thinking about signing up for Hulu, you should also consider paying for your subscription with one of the best rewards credit cards for Hulu. With the right card, you will earn outstanding rewards for your Hulu subscription, including cash back or valuable points for travel.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is an excellent card for someone that wants to earn cash back (in the form of statement credits) on everyday purchases, including streaming services. We consider this card to be one of the best cashback credit cards available.

If you are approved, you will earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. And since this card offers 6% cash back on streaming service purchases, you can save big on your subscriptions. For example, if you are spending $25/month on subscription services, you will save an extra $18 per year by simply using this card to pay for your content streaming.

While the card does come with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter, the cost is worth it for the perks you get. It provides a generous welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. In addition, the cash back you earn from your Netflix subscription and other expenses will help offset the $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter.

Learn more at our Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express review.

U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+^® Visa Signature^® Card is unique because of its customizable spending categories that earn you a great amount of cash back. This card will also reward you well when you use it to pay for your Hulu subscription and other streaming subscriptions.

With the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card, you will earn 5% cash back on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter) and on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center; 2% cash back on one everyday category, like gas stations/EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. 

Your two chosen 5% categories can be selected from this list:

• TV, Internet & Streaming Services
• Fast Food
• Cell Phone Providers
• Department Stores
• Home Utilities
• Select Clothing Stores
• Electronics Stores
• Sporting Goods Stores
• Movie Theaters
• Gyms/Fitness Centers
• Furniture Stores
• Ground Transportation

If you enjoy multiple streaming services, you can choose to earn cash back on that category and one other category that you spend the most on.

Additionally, you can earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. By earning the welcome bonus and spending within the bonus categories, you can get a great amount of cash back in your first year as a cardmember.

This card offers great value with its generous cash back categories and $0 annual fee.

For more info, check out our U.S. Bank Cash+ review.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great option for earning cash back on all of your purchases. When you use the Chase Freedom Flex, you will earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The rotating categories are announced quarterly.

While you might earn 5% cash back on your subscriptions for only one quarter, you will also be able to earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Similar to the cards mentioned above, the Chase Freedom Flex Card has a $0 annual fee.

Editor's note: If you're an existing Chase Freedom cardholder, you can also earn 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

For all the details, go to our Chase Freedom Flex review.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Sometimes, simpler is better. If you enjoy simplicity, the Citi Double Cash^® Card could be a great fit for you.

When you use the Citi Double Cash Card, you will earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24. This card is a great tool to have if your spending is a bit scattered across different categories, or if you simply don’t want the hassle of tracking different cards for different spending categories.

The Citi Double Cash Card also comes with an intro 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)). If you are wrestling with debt from other cards, you may want to consider taking advantage of this balance transfer offer.

For more, read our Citi Double Cash Card review.

Why we chose these cards (methodology)

All of these cards mentioned have one thing in common — they all offer the ability to earn significant cash back or rewards from your Hulu subscription.

Over one or two months, the rewards may not seem like much. However, if you check your rewards or cash back balance after a year, you may be surprised at how much you earned.

In addition to the rewards you will earn, credit cards are a much safer way to pay for streaming services. Using a debit card is risky because if someone is to find your debit card number online, your bank account could be at risk.

The bottom line on the best credit cards for Hulu

It can be easy to ask about the best credit card out there. However, the best card varies based on your unique situation; it’s the one that aligns with the purchases you make and rewards you the most according to your spending.

Don’t overthink selecting a credit card for your Hulu subscription, but make sure to put it on your to-do list as you may be missing out on valuable rewards. But first, it’s time to binge-watch episodes of Parks and Recreation, preferably with no commercials.

Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

Learn How to Apply

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter

Rewards Rate

6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
• 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and eligible transit
• Introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers
• Annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases
• Intro purchase 0% APR offer: 0% for 12 months then 19.24% - 29.99% Variable
• Intro balance transfer 0% APR offer: 0% for 12 months then 19.24% - 29.99% Variable
• Terms apply