Do Software Subscriptions Earn Rewards?

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated July 2026
The short answer: Yes, at the base rate. Subscriptions to software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and cloud tools earn rewards like any purchase, but software is not a standard bonus category, so a flat-rate card usually earns the most. Business cards can be the exception, since some reward software or online spending.

How software subscriptions code

A software or software-as-a-service subscription rings up under a computer-software or digital-goods category code, which mainstream personal cards do not treat as a bonus. So most cards earn their base rate on Adobe, Microsoft, and similar tools. This is different from a streaming subscription, which many cards do reward.

Business cards can reward software

If the software is for work, a business card is worth a look, since several reward software, internet, or general online spending at an elevated rate. Routing recurring business tools to such a card can beat a flat personal card. See our best cards for subscriptions guide for the recurring-charge angle.

The best card for software

For personal software with no special category, a strong flat-rate card earns the most, and putting all your subscriptions on one card also makes them easy to track and cancel. Value points at a flat 1 cent and compare options in our best cash back cards guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do Adobe and Microsoft subscriptions earn rewards?
Yes, at your card’s base rate. Software is not a standard bonus category on personal cards, so most earn the base rate on these subscriptions.
Is there a card with a software bonus category?
Mainly business cards. Several reward software, internet, or online spending, so a business card can beat a flat personal card for work tools.
Do software subscriptions count as streaming?
No. Software codes under a separate computer-software or digital-goods category, so a streaming bonus does not apply to tools like Adobe or Microsoft.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.