Fanatics American Express Card Launches With 500+ Athlete Trading Card Designs and Topps Perks
Fanatics is bringing trading card design into a new category with the launch of the Fanatics American Express Card, a new credit card that will let sports fans choose from more than 500 athlete designs inspired by Topps trading cards. The card was unveiled by Fanatics, American Express and Imprint, with designs featuring athletes from the NBA, NFL, UFC and WWE. Fanatics says more leagues and players will be added in the future, effectively turning the physical payment card into what the company describes as an “ultimate fan badge” that can be personalized around a favorite athlete.
Fans in the United States can join the waitlist now, with invitations to apply scheduled to begin later this year. The card has no annual fee and requires a Fanatics ONE account. Fanatics is also tying the card directly into its collectibles business. Cardmembers will receive quarterly early access to a select Topps product through cardmember-exclusive presales, subject to availability. That perk gives collectors another potential route into limited or high-demand Topps releases before broader availability.
Purchases throughout the Fanatics ecosystem will also earn FanCash. Cardmembers receive 5% FanCash on eligible purchases at Fanatics.com, Mitchell & Ness, Lids, Fanatics Collect, Fanatics Live, Topps.com and other participating Fanatics businesses, with 8% or more available for qualifying purchases made through the Fanatics App. That means the rewards can be earned on many of the same products collectors are already buying, including trading cards and collectibles, and then redeemed across the Fanatics platform for apparel, cards, collectibles, tickets and other products or experiences.
The Fanatics American Express Card also earns 5% FanCash on eligible ticket and select streaming-service purchases, up to applicable program limits, and 2% on other eligible purchases. New cardmembers can earn $100 in FanCash after spending $1,000 during their first 90 days. An additional $100 in FanCash is available for cardmembers who spend at least $500 each month for 12 consecutive months.
Another collector-focused perk comes through Fanatics Fest. Cardmembers are set to receive early floor access along with additional benefits at the event, including a cardmember gift. Fanatics is also awarding 2,500 Fanatics ONE tier points when an account is opened and another 2,500 points on each account anniversary, along with additional tier points based on spending.
Fanatics is launching the card with NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, whom the company describes as a lifelong trading card collector and founder of Big Bodegas Cards. Towns is being joined by other creators representing different teams and leagues as part of the launch campaign.
The card also includes a separate Championship Challenge promotion. Fanatics says cardmembers will eventually have the opportunity to predict the champions of Major League Baseball, the NBA, NFL and NHL, with the possibility of receiving up to $100,000 in annual credit card spending back if all four selections are correct. Full details and timing for that program have not yet been announced.
American Express is adding its own network benefits, including Amex Offers, event presales, travel benefits and access to select venue perks and experiences. Fanatics also announced a new connection between FanCash and American Express Membership Rewards. Eligible U.S. American Express cardmembers can now transfer Membership Rewards points into FanCash at a rate of 1,000 points for $10 in FanCash. Fanatics becomes the first sports transfer partner in the Membership Rewards program.
The Fanatics American Express Card is powered by the American Express Network and Imprint and is issued by First Electronic Bank. U.S. fans can join the waitlist now, with invitations to apply beginning later this year.