Best Credit Cards for U.S. Mint Coin Purchases: 2026 Guide

If you follow the points and miles community, you know that U.S. Mint coin deals can be a “shortcut” to hitting massive sign-up bonuses. When a limited-edition coin drops, resellers often offer a premium, allowing you to cycle thousands of dollars through your credit cards at a profit.

However, the U.S. Mint is a unique merchant. In 2026, the rules for which cards earn rewards have tightened. Here is everything you need to know.

The 2026 “Blacklist”: Avoid These Issuers

Before you pick a card, you must know who won’t pay out. The following issuers have hardcoded the U.S. Mint to earn zero rewards and these purchases do not count toward sign-up bonuses:

U.S. Bank & Elan Financial: This includes the Altitude Reserve, Altitude Connect, and the Fidelity Rewards Visa. These cards will treat the transaction as a purchase (no cash advance fees), but you will earn $0 in value.
Alliant & H.M. Bradley: Community reports continue to show these issuers blocking rewards on Mint purchases.

Is it a Cash Advance? (The Amex Rule)

The biggest fear for “coin collectors” is getting hit with cash advance fees.

American Express: Since 2021, Amex has officially stated that these are not cash advances. They earn points and count toward welcome offers.
Chase, Citi, & Capital One: These purchases code as Government Services (MCC 9399). They are treated as standard purchases, meaning they are safe to use for hitting your “minimum spend.”

Top Picks: The Best Cards to Use in 2026

Since U.S. Mint purchases code as “Government,” they don’t trigger “Online Shopping” or “Travel” categories. You need a flat-rate “everyday” card to maximize your return.

1. The Heavy Hitters (Sign-Up Bonuses)

Coin deals are perfect for clearing high spend requirements on new cards to earn a bonus .

Coin transactions are ideal for fulfilling significant spending thresholds on new credit cards to qualify for a bonus.

2. The Best Everyday Earners

If you aren’t working on a bonus, stick to these high-floor earners:

Amex Blue Business Plus: 2x Membership Rewards points (up to $50k/year).
Capital One Venture X: 2x Miles on every dollar, unlimited.
Citi Double Cash®: 2% effective cashback (1% when you buy, 1% as you pay).
Bank of America Premium Rewards®: If you have Platinum Honors status, you’ll earn a massive 2.625% cashback on these purchases.
Or any card that offers 2% cash back. ( accept U.S. Bank & Elan Financial Cards )

2026 Pro-Tips for the Mint

The PayPal Trap: The U.S. Mint usually accepts PayPal, but they often disable it for high-demand “one-per-household” releases to prevent bots. Always have your physical card info saved in your Mint profile.
Note on PayPal Rewards: Even if you use PayPal as a middleman, U.S. Bank/Elan cards still won’t earn points. The merchant data passes through to the bank.
Watch the MCC: While 9399 is the standard, always double-check your first small transaction. If an issuer ever changes this to a “quasi-cash” code, the community needs to know!

Summary

For the 2026 drops, skip the U.S. Bank cards and reach for your Amex, Chase, or Capital One cards. It’s the easiest way to “manufacture” your next vacation while helping the community move some serious metal.