Last Updated:
Credit cards are no longer just for shopping or travel perks — they’re also designed for lifestyle benefits like dining and entertainment.
For anyone under 35, these entertainment-linked cards not only save money but also encourage disciplined credit usage (Image: Canva)
Movie tickets are getting expensive, but if you’re smart with your credit card, you can still enjoy your favourite films for half the price — or even free. Many Indian banks now partner with platforms like BookMyShow and Paytm to offer exclusive discounts, cashback, and even complimentary tickets.
However, not all cards work the same way, and most come with fine print that determines when and how you can use these benefits. Before booking your next show, it helps to understand how to make the most of these offers and which cards deliver the best value.
Why use a credit card for movie tickets
Credit cards are no longer just for shopping or travel perks — they’re also designed for lifestyle benefits like dining and entertainment. Banks collaborate with ticketing platforms to drive customer engagement, offering movie buffs instant savings in return for card usage. These discounts usually fall into three categories:
- Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers
- Flat percentage discounts
- Monthly cashback or complimentary tickets
But remember, these offers are usually subject to spending thresholds, partner apps, or platform exclusivity.
SBI Card ELITE
If you’re a frequent moviegoer, this premium card offers one of the most rewarding deals. SBI Card ELITE gives you a Buy One Get One Free offer on BookMyShow, with savings of up to Rs 250 per ticket. You can claim this benefit twice a month, translating to an annual savings potential of around Rs 6,000.
This card is ideal for families or couples who catch new releases every few weeks. The condition? You must use the BookMyShow platform and have an active credit card in good standing.
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
ICICI’s Coral Card is popular among young professionals and first-time credit card users. It offers a 25% discount on up to two movie tickets per month when you book through BookMyShow. The maximum discount is capped at Rs 100 per transaction and can be used twice every month.
While the overall savings may seem modest, the annual fee of this card is relatively low, and it doubles as a great entry-level option for lifestyle perks.
HDFC Times Credit Card
As the name suggests, this card is tailored for entertainment lovers. The HDFC Times Card offers up to Rs 150 off per ticket and a total discount of Rs 350 per transaction, valid for booking up to four tickets per month. These offers are also processed via BookMyShow.
What sets it apart is the combination of moderate annual fees and consistent monthly savings, which can easily offset the cost of the card itself for regular users.
Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card
For Paytm users, the Axis My Zone Credit Card is a solid choice. It provides one free movie ticket per month when you book through Paytm Movies, along with an additional Rs 200 off. The process is simple — just use the Axis My Zone card at checkout, and the discount applies automatically.
Its affordability and straightforward redemption make it an appealing option for students or young working professionals under 35 who prefer digital payments.
Kotak PVR Platinum Credit Card
A favourite among PVR regulars, the Kotak PVR Platinum Card offers two free movie tickets every month. The only catch: you must spend a minimum of Rs 10,000 within your billing cycle to unlock the offer. For those who use their cards regularly for groceries, dining, or travel, this threshold is easy to meet.
Over a year, you could save nearly Rs 12,000 — a substantial benefit for movie enthusiasts.
Making the most of your card
To truly benefit from these perks:
- Always check offer validity and partner platforms (BookMyShow, Paytm, etc.).
- Time your bookings early in the month, as offers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Track your spending to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for high-value offers like SBI or Kotak PVR cards.
For anyone under 35, these entertainment-linked cards not only save money but also encourage disciplined credit usage. Just make sure to clear your dues on time — or those ticket discounts might end up costing you much more than a movie night out.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Tamil Nadu, India, India
November 03, 2025, 14:27 IST
Stay Ahead, Read Faster
Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere.
