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Chase issues a pair of Disney-branded credit cards, and getting custom Disney card art alone might tempt you to apply. Designs include everything from Mickey Mouse to Darth Vader and Baby Groot. But are Disney cards actually worth getting?
As someone who’s carried both Disney credit cards — and even the Disney debit card — here’s what I’ve learned and whether or not Disney fans should have a Disney credit card.
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Disney® Premier Visa® Card
- 5% on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com
- 2% on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most other Disney U.S. locations
- 1% on all your other card purchases
- *Rewards are issued as Disney Rewards Dollars
Years ago, I opened the Disney Premier Visa for a few key reasons:
- A modest $400 Statement Credit welcome offer
- A very low minimum spend requirement (after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening)
- A low $49 annual fee
As a frequent visitor to Disney parks, I liked the idea of earning Disney Rewards Dollars on everyday purchases. These can be used at U.S. Disney parks, Disney Cruise Line, AMC theaters (for Disney films), ShopDisney.com, and even for flights.
But in practice, I found the rewards underwhelming. The card earns:
- 5% on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com
- 2% on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most other Disney U.S. locations
- 1% on all your other card purchases
- *Rewards are issued as Disney Rewards Dollars
With other cards in my wallet earning 3–5x points in many of those same categories — and offering far more valuable rewards — the Disney card just wasn’t pulling its weight. When the annual fee hit again, I called Chase to see my options.
Downgrading to the Disney® Visa® Card
- 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all card purchases
Chase offered to downgrade me to the no-annual-fee Disney® Visa® Card, which keeps most of the same perks, including:
- 10% off select merchandise purchases at select locations and 10% off select dining locations most days at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort.
- Save 10% on select purchases at DisneyStore.com
- Exclusive cardmember photo opportunities in the parks
As a result, I accepted Chase’s offer to downgrade to the no-annual-fee Disney Visa Card. Yet it really had nothing to do with those discounts. I just wanted to keep the exclusive park photo ops benefit.
My Favorite Disney Card Benefit: Exclusive Disney Park Photo Ops
At Disney parks, character meet-and-greets often require expensive meals or long waits at after-hours events. But as a Disney cardholder, you can skip the crowds and get free, professional photo ops at four park locations: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Disneyland, and California Adventure.
Just show your physical or digital Disney Visa Card to a cast member and get in line. A Disney photographer takes your photo and provides a download card — no need to buy PhotoPass.
For Disney fans, this perk alone is a fun (and free!) reason to keep the card in your wallet.
What About the Disney Debit Card?
Here’s something I didn’t know until recently: The Chase Disney debit card offers nearly all the same perks as the no-annual-fee credit card. That includes the same discounts and exclusive photo ops.
You’ll simply need a Chase checking account to request one. You might even be able to earn a new checking account bonus by opening a new one. Once your account is open, just send a secure message to request the Disney debit card design you want.
Other Disney Card Perks & Promotions
The Disney credit cards don’t come with dazzling points multipliers. But they do occasionally surprise me.
- Targeted 5% back on groceries: Twice this year, Chase targeted me to earn 5% back on groceries on my Disney Visa Card. We don't have another card offering 5x on groceries, so we happily purchased groceries on the card during those promos.
- Discounts on Disney resorts: Disney often offers cardholders up to 35% off select resorts, though availability is limited. I don’t use these because I book Disney lodging with points. However, if you pay cash for Disney hotels, this could be a big win.
- 20% off select $50+ orders at ShopDisney.com: This has been a recurring promo in recent years.
Related: Disney Dreams for a Dime: Tips for Saving Money at Disney World With Points and Miles
Are the Disney Cards Worth a 5/24 Slot?
If I had to do it over again, I probably wouldn’t have applied for the Disney Premier Visa. I’d go straight for the free Disney debit card to get the perks that matter most — especially the exclusive photo ops — without using up a valuable 5/24 spot.
While I’ve appreciated the occasional targeted offer and still enjoy the character meet-and-greets, the earning structure just doesn’t compete with the top rewards cards available today.
That said, if you’re a Disney fan who isn’t chasing lots of new credit card bonuses, one of the Disney cards might be worth adding to your wallet — especially if you can take advantage of the photo ops, discounts, or occasional promos.
Bottom Line
If you’re a Disney fan who regularly visits the parks, books Disney resorts with cash, or just wants fun perks like exclusive character photos, a Disney credit card (or even the Disney debit card) could be a great fit. These cards aren't the most rewarding cards for everyday spending, but the park perks and discounts might be worth it for loyal fans.
If you're deep into the points and miles world and are working toward more lucrative travel rewards, you'll likely find better value with other cards — especially given the limitations of Chase's 5/24 rule. But most Disney fans can benefit from getting one of the Disney cards:
- 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all card purchases
- 5% on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com
- 2% on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most other Disney U.S. locations
- 1% on all your other card purchases
- *Rewards are issued as Disney Rewards Dollars
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