Disney Visa Card evaluation: Full particulars

The no-annual-fee Disney® Visa® Card is caught in something of a no man’s land. With limited earning rates and even more limited redemption options, the card only makes sense for diehard Disney fans — and if that’s you, you’re probably much better off with the $49-annual-fee Disney® Premier Visa® Card. Card rating*: ⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The Disney Visa Card is in the awkward position of not offering much value for the average consumer while also being outflanked by the Disney Premier Visa Card when it comes to Disney loyalists.

This card earns 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all card purchases. If you’re set on not paying an annual fee, it could make sense for you; aside from that, you’ll be better off with the Premier — or a non-Disney — card instead.

We recommend a credit score* of 670 or higher to have the best chance for approval. This card has no annual fee.

Check out additional details about the card and what it offers.

*The Points Guy credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.

Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

With the Disney Visa, you’ll earn a $200 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That’s a solid return for an extremely low spending requirement of just $500.

This offer is only available if you don’t have the Disney Visa and haven’t received a welcome bonus on the card in the past 24 months.

Related: Here are the best credit card welcome offers

The Disney Visa offers a few nice discounts for Disney fans and allows them to choose from over 12 different card designs.

With the Disney Visa, you’ll get 10% off select credit card purchases at DisneyStore.com, plus 10% off select merchandise purchases at select locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. You’ll get the same discount at select Disneyland and Disney World dining locations.

You’ll also have the option to pose for special photos at private cardmember locations, and you’ll receive a 10% discount off a Castaway Cay Getaway cruise package. These discounts can be handy if you spend a lot at Disney locations but not too much outside of that.

Related: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using

With the Disney Visa, you’ll earn a simple 1% back on all purchases, with rewards coming in the form of Disney Rewards Dollars (more on that below).

Suffice it to say that it’s not the healthiest return rate we’ve seen — especially compared to the Disney Premier, which earns 5% back on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com; 2% back on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations; and 1% back on everything else.

Related: Are travel credit cards worth it?

Redeeming rewards on the Disney Visa

This card earns Disney Rewards Dollars instead of cash back, making it viable only for Disney superfans — and even then, the Disney Premier Visa offers more value for a low annual fee.

According to the card landing page, Disney Rewards Dollars can be redeemed toward experiences like “Disney Theme Park Tickets, Resort stays, shopping, dining and more in the U.S.,” limiting your redemption options.

While the Disney Premier has the option to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for a statement credit toward airline travel, there is no such option with the Disney Visa. Again, if you spend a ton at Disney, then Disney Rewards Dollars could be valuable for you — but if that’s the case, you can rack up a lot more of them with the Disney Premier than with the Disney Visa.

Related: These 10 apps and websites make award redemptions easier to find

If you’re looking for value above all else, there are many cards that outdo the Disney Visa:

• If you want more Disney rewards: For a $49 annual fee, the Disney Premier card earns 5% back on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com; 2% back on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations; and 1% back on everything else. You’ll also get higher-level perks, like statement credits for a Disney Bundle subscription. To learn more, read our full review of the Disney Premier.
• If you want a popular travel rewards card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ and Lyft purchases; 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases; and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. It’s a much more versatile all-around card than the Disney Premier, offering a free year of DashPass (when you register by Dec. 31, 2027), plus tons of other perks. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
• If you want simplified rewards: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) offers 2% earnings on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off — and is one of the most straightforward cash-back cards out there. This card is great if you want easy rewards for no annual fee. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best travel cards.

Read more: Everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World Resort

The Disney Visa might be a worthwhile option if you’re a Disney superfan and you’re staunchly against paying any sort of annual fee on a card. If that’s not the case, however, the Disney Premier card is a better choice. Anyone who isn’t a Disney loyalist should consider a general travel card instead, as the rewards you’ll earn on a general travel card are significantly more valuable.

The Disney Visa is caught in a no man’s land, offering limited value to the average cardholder while being outclassed by the $49 Disney Premier for those who can actually take advantage of that card’s perks. Still, it could be a fit for you if you’re set on not paying an annual fee and are loyal to Disney.

Apply here: Disney Visa Card