What the Walt Disney Credit Card is and who should consider it
The Walt Disney Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Chase that gives you points on every purchase, with bonus points on Disney-related spending. You earn one point per dollar on most purchases and two points per dollar at Disney parks, Disney resorts, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney merchandise locations. The card has an annual fee of $0, so you pay nothing to hold it.
This card makes sense if you visit Disney parks or resorts regularly, or if you spend money on Disney merchandise, movies, or streaming services. If you never go to Disney parks and don't buy Disney products, a general travel rewards card will likely give you more value. The card is also worth considering if you want to consolidate Disney spending onto one card to track your points in one place.
The card does not give you discounts on park tickets or hotel rates. It gives you points that you can redeem for Disney experiences, merchandise, or gift cards. The redemption rate varies depending on what you're redeeming for, so the actual value of your points depends on how you use them.
Key Takeaways
- You earn one point per dollar on most purchases and two points per dollar at Disney parks, resorts, and merchandise locations, with no annual fee.
- The card is issued by Chase and requires a credit check, so you need a credit score in the good to excellent range to be approved.
- Points can be redeemed for Disney gift cards, merchandise, experiences, or travel bookings through the Disney Rewards program.
- The card does not include travel protections like trip cancellation insurance or baggage delay coverage that some other travel cards offer.
- You can transfer points to Disney Vacation Club members or use them to book Disney travel through the rewards portal.
How points work and what you can redeem them for
Every purchase on the card earns points at the rate of one point per dollar, except at Disney locations where you earn two points per dollar. Disney locations include Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club resorts, and shopDisney.com. You also earn two points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants, which is unusual for a Disney-branded card.
Points are held in your Disney Rewards account, which is separate from your credit card account. You can redeem points for Disney gift cards, which you can use anywhere Disney accepts them. You can also redeem points directly for merchandise on shopDisney.com, or for experiences like dining packages or character meet-and-greets at the parks. The redemption rate varies — a $25 Disney gift card might cost 2,500 points, while another redemption might offer a different ratio.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains active. If you close the card or don't use your Disney Rewards account for a long period, Disney may close the account and you could lose your points. Check your account periodically to keep it active.
Annual fee, interest rates, and other costs
The Walt Disney Credit Card has no annual fee. You pay nothing to hold the card, which is one of its main advantages over premium travel cards that charge $95 to $550 per year.
The card carries a variable interest rate, which means the rate changes based on market conditions. The actual rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history. If you carry a balance month to month, you will pay interest on that balance. The card also charges a cash advance fee of 5% (minimum $10) if you withdraw cash, and a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the United States.
Late payments result in a late fee, typically $25 to $39 depending on how late the payment is. If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, the card issuer may report it to credit bureaus, which will damage your credit score.
Credit score requirements and how the process works
Chase typically approves the Walt Disney Credit Card for people with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. If your score is below 670, you can still explore, but your chances of approval are lower. If you are approved, a higher credit score usually means a lower interest rate.
You can explore for the card on Chase's website or through the Disney Rewards website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and Social Security number. Chase will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
You will usually know within minutes whether you are approved, denied, or pending review. If you are approved, the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for an additional fee.
Comparing the Disney card to other travel rewards cards
The Disney card earns two points per dollar at Disney locations, which is higher than most general travel cards. However, general travel cards often earn higher points at other categories like hotels, flights, or dining outside Disney restaurants. If you spend more money on non-Disney travel than Disney travel, a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold might give you more total points.
The Disney card has no annual fee, while premium travel cards charge $95 to $550 per year. That fee is worth paying only if the card's benefits and higher earning rates save you more than the fee costs. The Disney card also lacks travel protections like trip cancellation insurance or lost baggage reimbursement that premium cards include.
If you are a Disney Vacation Club member or plan to stay at Disney resorts multiple times per year, the Disney card's two-point earning at resorts makes it a strong choice. If you travel to non-Disney destinations more often, a general travel card will likely earn you more value.
How to maximize points and avoid common mistakes
The highest earning rate on the Disney card is two points per dollar at Disney parks and resorts. If you plan a Disney vacation, put all your spending on the card — hotel, meals, merchandise, and park tickets. You will earn points on every dollar, which you can redeem for future Disney purchases or experiences.
Many people make the mistake of carrying a balance on the card to earn points faster. This is almost always a bad trade. If you carry a $1,000 balance at 20% interest, you pay $200 per year in interest. You would need to earn more than $200 in redemption value from your points to break even. Most people do not earn that much. Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Another common mistake is redeeming points for low-value items. A $10 Disney gift card might cost 1,000 points, which values your points at 1 cent each. Redeeming for experiences or travel bookings often gives you better value. Check the redemption rate before you redeem to make sure you are getting a fair deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Disney Rewards points from other sources on this card?
Yes. If you have Disney Rewards points from shopping at Disney stores or on shopDisney.com, those points go into the same account as your credit card points. You can combine them and redeem them together. This makes it easier to reach higher redemption thresholds.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your Disney Rewards account as long as the account remains active. Closing the credit card does not close your rewards account. However, if you do not log into your Disney Rewards account for a long time, Disney may close it and you could lose your points. Keep your account active by logging in at least once per year.
Does the Disney card give me discounts on park tickets or hotel rooms?
No. The card earns points on your purchases, but it does not include discounts on park admission, hotel rates, or dining. You earn points that you can redeem for gift cards or experiences, but you do not get a percentage off at the time of purchase.
Can I transfer my Disney Rewards points to another person?
You cannot transfer points to another person's account. However, you can redeem your points for a Disney gift card and give the gift card to someone else. You can also use your points to book a Disney experience and bring another person with you.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Chase typically approves applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, but approval depends on your full credit history, not just your score. If your score is lower, you can still explore, but your chances of approval are reduced. If you are denied, you can reapply after improving your credit score.