For the ultimate Disney fan, there’s really only one credit card that seems to sparkle with pixie dust — the Disney Visa Card from Chase. You’ve probably seen it advertised during Disney+ shows or spotted someone proudly pulling out a card with Mickey, Darth Vader, or Baby Yoda on it at the checkout line.
I’ve had the no-annual-fee Disney Visa for years, mostly for the small perks and character photo ops, but it rarely sees any real spending. Every few months, Chase and Disney try to tempt me with an offer to upgrade to the Disney Premier Visa, which comes with a $49 annual fee and promises a few extra perks and earning bonuses.
So I decided to take a closer look: what exactly do you get for your $49 a year, and is it really worth trading your free card for the “Premier” version?
Disney Premier Visa
Annual Fee
The Disney Premier Visa has a $49 annual fee.
Sign-Up Bonus
Earn a $400 Statement Credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening with this link. (We receive a referral bonus if you sign up with our link, which is always appreciated.)
Per Chase’s rules, this product is only available if you do not currently have this card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months. Applicants must also be under Chase’s 5/24 requirement.
Foreign Transaction Fee
If you use this card internationally, you will pay a 3% foreign transaction fee. When traveling outside the U.S., it’s best to leave this card at home and use a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee.
Disney Reward Dollars
The Disney Premier Visa Card earns Disney Reward Dollars, which you can redeem in several ways. Each Disney Reward Dollar is worth $1, and redemptions start at just 1 cent.
Cardholders can use Pay Yourself Back to redeem Disney Reward Dollars for a statement credit toward qualifying purchases made with the Disney Premier Visa Card at:
- Select Disney Parks and Resorts locations in the U.S. (you can see the full list at DisneyRewards.com/Where-To-Redeem)
- Disney Store and outlet locations in the U.S.
- DisneyStore.com
- DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, and ESPNPlus.com
- Airline purchases made directly with airlines (not through third-party sites or travel agencies)
Redemptions must be made within 90 days of the purchase date, and statement credits usually post within three business days.
Disney Reward Dollars cannot be redeemed for statement credits using a Disney Rewards Redemption Card, and eligible merchants or categories can change at any time. Chase and Disney reserve the right to determine which purchases qualify for Pay Yourself Back.
Earning Disney Reward Dollars
Disney Premier Visa cardholders earn Disney Reward Dollars on every purchase, with higher rewards in certain categories:
- 5% on purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, and ESPNPlus.com, including subscriptions, add-ons (like Hulu add-ons or ESPN+ pay-per-view), and Disney+ Premier Access titles.
- 2% at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations in the U.S.
- 1% on all other qualifying purchases.
To earn the 5% bonus, your Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ purchases must be made directly through those official sites — not through third-party devices, app stores, or cable bundles. Similarly, Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ gift cards purchased directly through those sites qualify for the 5% rate, but ones bought elsewhere do not.
Each Disney Reward Dollar is worth $1 toward eligible redemptions, and rewards never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
Additional Card Benefits
Beyond earning Disney Reward Dollars, the Disney Premier Visa Card includes several perks for Disney fans:
Special Vacation Financing
Get special vacation financing on select Disney vacation packages, including Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney®, National Geographic Expeditions, and AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaiʻi. Packages must be booked directly through Disney or an eligible travel agent and charged to your Disney Visa to qualify.
Theme Park & Resort Perks
Cardmembers enjoy exclusive discounts and experiences at Disney parks and resorts, such as:
- 10% off merchandise of $50 or more at select Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resort stores
- 10% off dining at select Disney restaurants most days of the year
- Access to special Disney and Star Wars character photo opportunities at private Cardmember locations, with free digital photo downloads
These offers require you to use your Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card at the time of purchase. Participating locations and offers may change without notice, and park admission or reservations may be required.
Disney Store Savings
Receive 10% off purchases at Disney Store and Disney Outlet locations in the U.S., or online at DisneyStore.com when using promo code DRVCMEMBER. Exclusions apply (including select brands and limited-edition items).
Disney Cruise Line Perks
Cardmembers sailing on Disney Cruise Line can enjoy:
- 10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package when charged to your Disney Visa
- Additional onboard savings and offers on select purchases
Your Disney Visa must be the designated payment method for all onboard purchases to qualify.
Is the card worth paying the $49 annual fee?
With the elevated welcome offer of $400 after spending $1,000 in the first three months, the Disney Premier Visa Card is more appealing than ever.
Here’s how the math works out:
- Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months to earn the $400 statement credit
- Subtract the $49 annual fee — that’s a net value of $351 in your first year
- The no-annual-fee Disney Visa currently offers a $200 bonus after spending $500
That’s a $200 higher sign-up bonus for just $49 out of pocket — and double the required spend. If you’re a Disney fan who plans to subscribe to Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+, or spend at Disney parks or stores, the extra earning potential and streaming benefits make the Premier version an easy first-year win.
However, the math changes after that first year. The ongoing 2% categories (gas, groceries, restaurants, and Disney) and 1% everywhere else aren’t competitive compared to many no-fee 2% cash-back cards. If you’re not earning enough in bonus categories or Disney spending to offset the annual fee, you may want to downgrade to the free version once you’ve earned your bonus.
Final Thought
The Disney Premier Visa Card is one of those credit cards that’s less about maximizing rewards and more about celebrating your fandom. The current $400 bonus makes it a great first-year deal, especially if you already spend with Disney or subscribe to their streaming services.
But beyond that first-year glow, the math isn’t quite as magical. Unless you’re putting a significant amount of spending through the card on Disney trips, dining, or everyday categories, you’ll likely get better long-term value from a no-fee 2% cash-back card — or by downgrading to the basic Disney Visa to keep the perks without paying an annual fee.
It’s a fun card for Disney loyalists — just make sure you’re earning enough pixie dust to make that $49 fee disappear.
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