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Best Premium Credit Cards Of November 2024

Written By
Credit Cards Writer

Fact Checked

|Credit Cards Editor
& 1 other
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Premium credit cards offer big spenders lucrative benefits and coveted rewards. They’re the cream of the crop of rewards credit cards. Although these cards typically charge a hefty annual fee and have more stringent approval requirements, premium cards offer the best rewards available. Think travel benefits like lounge access or elite status, statement credits, loyalty program points with generous reward categories and huge welcome bonuses.

While premium credit cards aren’t for everyone, they can offer some useful and advantageous benefits that may just outweigh the annual fee.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our credit card editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • 210 Credit Cards Ranked
  • 28,000 Data Points Collected
  • 5 Levels of Fact-Checking
  • 95 Categories Considered

Read more
Show Summary

Best Premium Credit Cards

All information about Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Best Premium Cards of November 2024

Best premium card for travelers

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 10x Reward Rate

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

This card offers superior points earning rates if you spend frequently on travel and dining out. The $300 travel credit justifies much of the annual fee, and redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠ nets you a 50% bonus.

Expert Commentary
Lori Zaino
Lori Zaino
Credit Cards Writer
A credit card enthusiast and avid traveler, Lori has visited more than 60 countries, many of them using credit card points and frequent flyer miles. She has lived in Spain as a freelance writer and editor for around two decades, figuring out the best tips and tricks for using points and miles to live and travel abroad, and writing about it to share her knowledge every step of the way.
Credit Cards Writer

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the most valuable flexible rewards credit cards thanks to its lucrative bonus categories and easy-to-use travel credit. Cardholders can offset the annual fee and get great value when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card, thanks to partnerships with numerous airlines and hotels and its convenient travel booking portal, Chase Travel℠.

Pros & Cons
  • $300 annual travel credit is incredibly flexible
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Points transfer to valuable airline and hotel partners
  • High annual fee
  • Additional fee for each authorized user
  • Excellent credit recommended
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best affordable premium card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$395

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

Capital One’s most premium travel card is packed with extras that put it firmly in competition with other upscale credit cards, but at an annual fee that leaves the others far behind.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee (rates & fees), the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.

Pros & Cons
  • Annual fee lower than others in its category
  • Annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and anniversary miles alone could justify the annual fee
  • Miles are easy to earn and easy to use
  • Lack of domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
  • Capital One lounge network in its infancy
  • Lack of hotel status benefits
Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for big spenders

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website
4.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

5X Reward Rate

Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directlyRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 points

Annual Fee

$695

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Platinum Card is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of luxury travel benefits and Platinum Concierge service. In the right hands, the classic status card’s staggering annual fee is well justified.

Expert Commentary
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Writer
Ben is a credit cards and luxury travel writer, an immigrant with three citizenships and a husband. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, has a background in linguistics and languages, and travels the world for the love of it. You'll find him flying up front in first or business class all over the world and enjoying food from fine dining to street fare. Ben unpacks the complex network of loyalty programs across the credit card and travel industries with his simple and easy-to-understand, yet relatable, explanations. A nature enthusiast at heart, he lives in Seattle with his husband Jon and their beagle.
Credit Cards Writer

Being an Amex Platinum cardholder grants access to the International Airline Program, which can save you money on first and business class seats on more than 20 airlines as well as premium economy tickets for you and up to seven traveling companions. Start your search on the Amex Travel website to find international flights departing or arriving in the U.S. on any of those premium cabins.

Pros & Cons
  • High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel
  • Multiple credits can help justify the fee
  • Comprehensive airport lounge access
  • Luxury travel benefits and elite status with Hilton and Marriott with enrollment
  • Very high annual fee
  • Maximizing the statement credits takes some work and could be impractical for many
  • Reward rate outside of travel is subpar for a premium card
Card Details
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for Hilton loyalists

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express *

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 14X Reward Rate

Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7XRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 175,000 points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.49% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The flagship card from Hilton, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a price tag to match its top-tier status and perks. It’s a perfect fit for big spenders who haunt Hilton properties enough to leverage the rich suite of benefits that come with the complimentary Diamond status.

Expert Commentary
Jon Nickel-D'Andrea
Jon Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Expert Writer
For more than 10 years, Jon Nickel-D'Andrea has been a sought-after expert on how to travel the world using rewards points and miles. Jon has been featured in local and national publications and as a speaker at various seminars across the world. Combining his deep knowledge of credit cards, rewards programs, airlines and hotels with his unique style and sense of humor, Jon makes the complex web of these programs more fun and easy to understand. He lives in Seattle with his husband Ben and their 4-year-old beagle pup.
Credit Cards Expert Writer

Top-tier elite status from simply holding this credit card is its most endearing quality. Hilton Diamond status–granted every year you hold the card–gets you room upgrades, food and beverage credits, executive lounge access and more. Since there’s no spend requirement for the Diamond status, this benefit even on its own can make the card worth keeping long term.

Pros & Cons
  • CLEAR® Plus membership credit with enrollment
  • Over $750 in value annually
  • Instant Hilton Diamond elite status with rich set of benefits
  • Free standard night award with no category limits at participating properties
  • High annual fee with no first-year waiver
  • High regular APR and penalty APR
  • Credits are doled out in increments, making them harder to spend
  • Points have a lower value than most rewards programs
Card Details
  • Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 1/8/2025
  • Earn 14 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio
  • Earn 7 points for every dollar spent on dining and eligible travel purchases including: Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com and car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
  • Earn 3 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
  • Up to $400 in statement credits each year of card membership ($200 semi-annually) for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond status
  • Annual free night reward, terms apply
  • Up to $200 flight credit ($50 in statement credits each quarter)
All information about Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 1/8/2025.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for Delta flyers

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X Miles on Delta flights and Delta Vacations®; Earn 1 mile per dollar for all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles

Annual Fee

$650

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

It makes sense for Delta high-fliers to grab the top-of-the-line Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. The access to Sky Club is being reduced 2/1/25 but can still help justify the annual fee for frequent Delta flyers, then add in the annual companion certificate for eligible flights (plus taxes and fees), free first checked bag when you fly Delta and priority boarding. However, the mediocre miles earning rates reduce the card’s overall appeal.

Pros & Cons
  • Elite status is possible through high spending
  • Lounge access for Delta flyers
  • Credits can help offset the annual fee
  • No bonus categories apart from Delta purchases
  • Lounge access is limited starting in 2025
  • Monthly credits might be hard to use
Card Details
  • Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for United flyers

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases; Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel andRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$525

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

United’s top-tier card offering ups its game with 4 miles per dollar earnings on United purchases. A suite of travel perks makes the card an even better value, with the United Club membership alone worth more than the annual fee.

Expert Commentary
Emily Moore
Emily Moore
Credit Cards Writer
Experiencing the world through travel is a privilege, but affordability is a common barrier to entry. By sharing accessible tips on responsible credit card use, rewards programs and rewards hacking, Emily Jane Moore helps people with limited financial resources access meaningful travel experiences.
Credit Cards Writer

If reaching a higher status with United is a priority, the United Club Infinite all but guarantees it, as long as the card is used regularly. Cardholders also enjoy frequent seat upgrades (depending on route and availability) plus always-free United Club access. But these perks come with a hefty price tag.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • United Club membership is worth more than the annual fee
  • First and second checked bag free when you pay for your flight with your card
  • Very high annual fee
  • No intro APR offer
  • High regular APR
Card Details
  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access® travel services
  • 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best supplementary premium card

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card *

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
4.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Earn 3X points forRead More

Welcome Bonus

50,000 points

Annual Fee

$400

Regular APR

21.74% - 28.74% variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

Considering its lavish travel perks and the $325 annual travel credit, frequent travelers can easily justify the $400 annual fee. Plus, cardholders get eight free visits per year to Priority Pass airport lounges (enrollment required).

Expert Commentary
John Taylor Garner
John Taylor Garner
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
As the Founder & CEO of Odynn, John Taylor Garner is on a mission to revolutionize the loyalty and awards industry by using machine learning to help financial institutions, fintechs, banks and travel techs turbocharge their loyalty programs by helping end users earn and redeem their points and miles, without spending more. With over 11 years of experience in fintech, portfolio management, and derivatives trading, John Taylor Garner has the skills and insights to create and scale products that deliver value to both businesses and individuals.
 
John Taylor Garner founded his first startup Card Curator in 2018. After attending the Wharton School, where he was the CFO & Head of Internships and Entrepreneurship for the Wharton Fintech Club, he founded Odynn in 2022. Since then, he has built a global team and a suite of products that have been featured in Bloomberg, WIRED, CNN, U.S. News & World Report, and more. John Taylor Garner is also a Fintech Founder Fellow at On Deck, a community of ambitious entrepreneurs. He is driven by a love for travel, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* is unique because it earns 3X on all mobile wallet spending, which no other ultra-premium cards offer, and has a low net annual fee after taking the $325 travel/dining credit into account. Given the net annual fee after the credit, the fact that the card lacks lounge access—even Priority Pass—is not that big of a deal. The question is, do you spend enough on mobile purchases to add a card specifically for that?

Pros & Cons
  • 50% points bonus when redeeming for travel
  • Up to $325 in annual travel credit
  • No limits on points earnings
  • No points transfer options available
  • Free lounge access limited to eight visits per year
  • High annual fee
Card Details
  • Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
  • Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases
  • Earn up to $325 in annual credits
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for Marriott loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website
3.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. 3Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 95,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$650

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Though the Bonvoy Brilliant carries a hefty $650 annual fee, this card offers luxurious value to Marriott loyalists via an anniversary night (worth up to 85,000 points) after your card renewal month, complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status, statement credits of up to $25 per month for dining purchases and a wide array of other perks.

Pros & Cons
  • Free Night Award yearly after each card renewal month worth up to 85,000 points (resort fees may apply)
  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
  • Increased earnings rate at Marriott hotels
  • 25 annual Elite Night Credits
  • The APR can be high, depending on your creditworthiness
  • High annual fee
  • No introductory APR offer
Card Details
  • Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for lifestyle credits

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card *

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card
3.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 2X Reward Rate

Earn 2X points per dollar spent on travel and dining purchases; Earn 1.5X points per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome Bonus

75,000 points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

20.74% - 28.74% variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

If you value lounge access and travel perks, this card has you covered. Plus, you’ll get lifestyle credits for things like rideshares, food delivery and streaming service with select merchants. You’ll get the best deal if you’re a Preferred Rewards member, which returns a 25% to 75% bonus on all the points you earn.

Pros & Cons
  • Top-notch rewards rate for those at the highest tier of Preferred Rewards
  • Airline benefits including lounge access
  • Up to a $150 annual lifestyle credit
  • Can get the same rewards on a card with a lower annual fee
  • Without Preferred Rewards, earn rate is just so-so
  • No travel transfer partners
Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 online bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Earn up to $300 in airline incidental statement credits annually on qualifying transactions
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credits of up to $100 every four years
  • Up to $150 in lifestyle statement credits annually on qualifying rideshare, food delivery, streaming service and fitness transactions at select merchants
  • Receive 20% off the cost of airfare when redeeming points through the Bank of America Travel Center
  • Enrolled cardholders receive 12-month Priority Pass Select membership to access airport VIP lounges worldwide
Earn 75,000 online bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for American Airlines flyers

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® *

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
2.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com; 4 miles forRead More

Welcome Bonus

70,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$595

Regular APR

20.74% – 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

For the AA frequent flier who will use the complimentary Admirals Club lounge access, this alone more than offsets the annual fee. Considering that all authorized cardholders are eligible, this can be an incredible value. Extra perks such as VIP check-in, priority boarding, concierge service, and free checked bag sweeten the deal.

Pros & Cons
  • Free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for up to eight companions on the same reservation
  • Discounted Admiral Club membership
  • High annual fee with no first-year waiver
  • Lackluster rewards rates
  • Requires excellent credit
Card Details
  • Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
  • Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com, 4 miles for every dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile for all other purchases
  • Admirals Club Membership: Access to nearly 100 lounge locations worldwide for you and your immediate family (or up to 2 traveling guests that accompany you)
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit up to $100 every 4 years
Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best premium card for unique perks

Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card *

Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card
1.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$400

Regular APR

21.75% or 25.75% variable APR

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

The Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card offers flexibility with its lounge membership reimbursement benefit because it doesn’t tie you to any particular airline. Other travel statement credits and benefits easily offset the annual fee. If you can use them, this card offers several easy, valuable wins.

Pros & Cons
  • Up to $350 credit for airline incidentals with any U.S. airline
  • Up to $550 annual credit toward lounge access after $50,000 in annual spending
  • $400 annual fee is modest in this product segment
  • Point value is not transparent
  • Priority Pass lounge access does not include guest access
  • Card applies airline incidental fees credit to lounge access purchases
Card Details
  • 3X points per $1 on airline, hotel and taxi (including Uber and Lyft), limousine, rental car, train, bus, restaurant, fast food and takeout food dining purchases and 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • $400 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Here’s a Summary of the Best Premium Cards

Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Best premium card for travelers
Excellent
$550
60,000 bonus points
Best affordable premium card
Excellent
$395
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Best premium card for big spenders
Good,Excellent
$695
Earn 80,000 points
Best premium card for Hilton loyalists
Good/Excellent
$550
Earn 175,000 points
Best premium card for Delta flyers
Good,Excellent
$650
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles
Best premium card for United flyers
Excellent
$525
Earn 80,000 bonus miles
Best supplementary premium card
Excellent
$400
50,000 points
Best premium card for Marriott loyalists
Good,Excellent
$650
Earn 95,000 bonus points
Best premium card for lifestyle credits
Excellent
$550
75,000 points
Best premium card for American Airlines flyers
Excellent, Good
$595
70,000 bonus miles
Best premium card for unique perks
Excellent
$400
N/A
All information about Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 1/8/2025.
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 75,000 online bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $7,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
N/A

Best Premium Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Chase’s most premium card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, is beloved by avid travelers, known as one of the top premium travel credit cards on the market. It shines thanks to its generous bonus categories and flexible rewards, which can be used to purchase travel in the Chase Travel℠ travel portal or transferred to partners like United, British Airways, Hyatt and JetBlue. One of the card’s most popular perks is its $300 travel credit, which can be applied to things like flights, hotels, taxis, rideshare services and even subway charges, a significant offset to the card’s annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights and 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when purchasing travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $550

Other benefits and drawbacks: In addition to the $300 statement credit for travel purchases, the card offers a number of perks such as Priority Pass lounge access, 50% more redemption value when redeeming points for travel via Chase, a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit and ample travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption and trip delay insurance.

When it comes to cons, there aren’t many with this card. Just know that Chase is pretty strict about its 5/24 rule, meaning if you were approved for more than five credit cards during the past 24 months, you aren’t likely to get approved for this one (or any other Chase card), regardless of your credit score.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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When it comes to premium credit cards, most come along with a significantly high annual fee—think upwards of $400 and close to $700, in some cases. But the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the only card on this list that comes with premium benefits and an annual fee that’s less than $400 (rates & fees).

Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25 and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $395

Other benefits and drawbacks: One of the most affordable premium cards on the market, the Venture X comes with many benefits, such as a yearly 10,000-mile anniversary bonus starting on your first anniversary, a $300 annual travel credit for bookings in the Capital One Travel portal and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Cardholders also get Priority Pass lounge access and can enter Capital One’s new lounges, currently located in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN) and Washington, D.C. (IAD).

Even better? You can add authorized users to your account for free, and they’ll also get some of the card’s benefits, such as Priority Pass lounge membership and the ability to access Capital One Lounges.

However, when it comes to travel credits, this card’s $300 annual credit doesn’t quite match up to the versatility of the Reserve’s, as you can only get it when booking travel within Capital One’s own travel portal. And, while the brand does have several transfer partners, many of the most accessible ones for U.S. travelers aren’t on there—think Delta, United, Hyatt or Marriott. You will find several international airlines on the list, though.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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This might just be the most premium card on our list—or at least the most prestigious and expensive. The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees) is as chic as it sounds: A weighted metal credit card (you might be able to choose your own design, too) that comes with a slew of benefits and a hefty annual fee. But depending on your lifestyle and interests, it may or may not be the right card for you.

Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first 6 months of card membership.

Annual fee: $695

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Amex Platinum comes with a variety of lifestyle benefits that may not be a good fit for the average user. It’s ideal for those who enjoy booking travel via the Amex Travel Portal, fitness buffs, travelers and luxury shoppers. Perks include things like a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 twice per year), a $300 Equinox statement credit, a $200 statement credit each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel, a $200 airline fee credit, $200 in Uber Cash ($15 per month plus a $20 bonus in December. Effective 11/8/24, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem this benefit), $240 a year ($20 per month) digital entertainment credit and access to the Global Lounge Collection (including Centurion Lounges).

Membership Rewards points offer lots of flexibility, with a host of transfer partners from Hilton to Delta to Emirates.

Although this card has many perks, it also takes some organization and work to ensure you remember to use enough of its benefits to offset the high annual fee, especially since some of the statement credits require enrollment.

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express *

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Hilton loyalists should run, not walk to apply for the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express*, which offers benefits like Diamond elite status, the highest of the brand’s four status levels. This means you’ll get things like 100% points bonuses on stays, executive hotel lounge access and food and beverage credits, among other perks.

Rewards: Earn 14 Hilton Honors bonus points at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per dollar on eligible purchases for flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 1/8/2025.

Annual fee: $550

Other benefits and drawbacks: Besides getting complimentary Hilton Diamond elite status, cardholders also get perks like quarterly statement credits when paying for flights with your card, semi-annual Hilton resort credits and a free night award. Anyone who is loyal to Hilton will find it easy to make the card’s benefits outweigh the annual fee.

While points rewards may seem ridiculously high in some cases (like 14X per dollar spent!), Hilton points have a much lower value than many other reward programs. And the card is really only valuable to anyone who frequently stays at Hilton properties.

All information about Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

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Delta flyers should apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (terms apply, see rates & fees). While the card doesn’t have the best reward rates on everyday spending, it can still be beneficial to travelers who have high spending on Delta flights. Upgrade priority, a free checked bag on flights and priority boarding make the card useful for those loyal to the airline.

Rewards: Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.

Annual fee: $650

Other benefits and drawbacks: The annual fee on this premium card is high, but Delta flyers can get their money’s worth by utilizing benefits like the Companion Certificate, which allows you to bring along a companion on an eligible roundtrip flight each year after card renewal (you still have to pay taxes and fees), and the TakeOff 15 benefit, which gives you 15% off on award tickets. You’ll also get 20% back on in-flight Delta purchases in the form of statement credits.

However, this card does have some downsides. The cardholder gets Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta with four one-time guest passes in 2024. But starting in February 2025, cardmembers will get 15 visits per year or can earn an unlimited number of visits by spending at least $75,000 on the card. After the 15 visits, additional visits can be purchased for $50 per person with the card. Earnings on everyday purchases are lackluster, making it only truly valuable for those who really spend and fly on Delta frequently.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

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Those who fly United regularly and are hoping to achieve United Premier status should consider the United Club℠ Infinite Card, which offers perks like reward points on a few categories other than just United purchases, as well as perks like two free checked bags each for you and a companion.

Rewards: Earn 4 miles per dollar on United® purchases, 2 miles per dollar on all other travel, on dining including eligible delivery services and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $525

Other benefits and drawbacks: As mentioned above, this card does offer bonus points in categories other than just spending on United, which makes it a bit easier to accumulate a bank of United miles and maybe even qualify for United Premier status. Cardholders can earn 25 PQP for every $500 (up to 10,000 PQP each calendar year) toward Premier status.

Cardholders also get complimentary United Club membership for themselves with guest access, as well as 25% back on inflight and United Club purchases. United flyers who stay at IHG properties can also benefit from the card’s complimentary Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards, offering perks like room upgrades and late checkout.

The downsides? The high annual fee may not be worth it for casual United flyers who might not be able to spend enough to benefit from those additional PQP bonuses.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card *

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The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* isn’t at the top of our premium cards list, but it can be a nice addition to your wallet if you’re looking to add a second, backup card. This card shines thanks to its $325 annual travel credit, which almost completely cancels out the annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases.

Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $400

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card is relatively simple and slightly more affordable than some of its premium counterparts. With an annual fee that’s on the lower end for premium cards and easy-to-understand benefits, this card is a simple, straightforward option.

Simply utilizing the $325 travel credit and up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit may make it worth the annual fee. However, the points you’ll earn aren’t transferable, meaning you’ll have to book travel in the Altitude Rewards Center. Another negative is that although the card offers Priority Pass access, it’s only valid for eight visits a year, which falls short for a premium credit card.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (terms apply, see rates & fees) has one of the higher annual fees on this list, but offers luxury benefits like a $300 dining statement credit ($25 per month), Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and a free night award at Marriott hotels (under 85,000 points per night). But for loyal Marriott fans, this card, despite the high annual fee, can be beneficial, especially for anyone looking to earn Marriott points on Marriott stays and dining.

Rewards: Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 3 Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.

Annual fee: $650

Other benefits and drawbacks: Similar to the other premium hotel co-branded credit cards on this list, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is ideal for anyone specifically loyal to the Marriott brand. Most of the card’s benefits, like the free night award and Bonvoy elite status, are only beneficial if you love to stay at Marriott properties. The card also features a $100 property credit at the Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when you book using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay and 25 elite night credits toward your next elite status level.

Even though the card offers a few other perks, like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit worth up to $120 and various travel protections and insurance¹, there aren’t many other benefits the card offers that aren’t related to staying at Marriott hotels.

However, Marriott enthusiasts who are ready to spend big can take advantage of an Earned Choice Award benefit, which you obtain after spending $60,000 on your card in one calendar year. Benefits include things like a free night award, discounts on Marriott beds or a collection of upgrade awards.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card *

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Many of the premium cards on this list shine for their travel rewards and benefits. And while the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card* offers some premium travel rewards, it also has some premium lifestyle credits that may appeal to those who aren’t on a plane every other week.

Rewards: Earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $550

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders of this can offset the annual fee by taking advantage of the automatic statement credits the card provides, such as $300 in airline incidentals and $150 for things like video streaming, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and rideshare services, as well as a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry $100 credit.

When you use your points to book international or domestic airfare, you’ll get a 20% discount. The card offers four complimentary Priority Pass memberships with unlimited visits.

Earning potential is more limited if you aren’t a Preferred Rewards member, and the bank has no transfer partners, so points must be redeemed through Bank of America’s travel portal or redeemed for cash or gift cards.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® *

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The only card that offers Admirals Club membership, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* is ideal for American Airlines flyers, especially ones who frequently bring along travel companions. This is because cardholders and up to eight travel companions can check their first bag on domestic flights for free. Just one trip with a large family or group of friends can offset this annual fee if everyone is able to check a bag for free—and the convenience of priority boarding isn’t bad, either.

Rewards: Earn 10 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com, 4 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $595

Other benefits and drawbacks: It’s fairly simple to offset this card’s annual fee right away, thanks to the Admirals Club membership or a group trip where everyone checks a bag for free. The card also offers perks like priority check-in and boarding for you and your travel companions. You also get a 25% discount on American Airlines inflight purchases.

The reward rates feel low for a premium card, although you will earn 10,000 additional Loyalty Points after earning 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year (and another 10,000 when you earn 90,000 in the same year), which can help you obtain elite status faster.

Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card *

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One perk that sets the Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card* apart from other premium cards is the flexibility it offers with lounge memberships. Not only do cardmembers get Priority Pass lounge membership, but those that spend $50,000 per year also get a $550 statement credit for any lounge fee membership, a unique and versatile perk. The card is also great for golfers, offering access to golf clubs around the U.S. and discounts on things like golf tee times, merchandise and golf instruction.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on airline, hotel and taxi (including Uber and Lyft), limousine, rental car, train, bus, restaurant, fast food and takeout food dining purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $400

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders also get a $350 statement credit for airline incidentals and a $100 Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit, as well as Visa Infinite Hotel and Car Rental Privileges.

At first glance, the reward earnings feel significant, akin to premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, but with a lower annual fee.

The issue lies in redeeming the points—you can only redeem them through City National’s Portal. The bank doesn’t explain how much points are worth, which makes redemptions feel murky and less valuable. The card doesn’t have any transfer partners or the option to redeem points for cash back, which is limited compared to other premium cards.

This is also the only card on the list that doesn’t have a generous welcome bonus, which means you won’t get that head start on earning points.


Methodology

Forbes compared dozens of options to find and rank the best premium credit cards. Factors considered include:

  • Earnings rates
  • Welcome bonuses
  • Fees
  • Consumer benefits
  • Statement credits
  • Premium lifestyle benefits
  • Premium travel benefits
  • Value of points/miles currencies

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case (the card rating you see on a specific “Best” list). The rating for each card changes on different “Best” lists according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre on a list of rewards cards could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards


What Is a Premium Credit Card?

A premium credit card is a card that usually comes with a host of luxury benefits as well as a significant annual fee. On a more literal level, it’s often a platinum, black or metal credit card marketed toward big spenders and those with excellent credit.

Premium credit cards usually come with high welcome bonuses after completing a specific amount of initial spending within a certain time period, as well as bonus reward points for every dollar spent in specific categories, statement credits, travel benefits and more.


Why Should I Get a Premium Credit Card?

Premium credit cards can be worth it especially for frequent travelers, high spenders or anyone who wants a slew of luxury lifestyle and travel benefits. If you’re loyal to a specific hotel or airline, getting a premium credit card can offer perks and benefits that can make flying and hotel stays with a particular brand more enjoyable and luxurious.


What Credit Score Is Needed for a Premium Credit Card?

In most cases, you’ll need an excellent credit score to get approved for a premium credit card. For example, VantageScore defines excellent as 781-850 while it’s more than 800 for FICO. However, Chase explains that most people with scores over 700 can get approved for a card, but the most premium scores may still require higher scores, such as more than 760.

American Express has similar guidelines, deeming anything between 661-780 to be good and anything above 780 as excellent. The brand’s premium Platinum card requires good to excellent credit.

When in doubt, check your credit score and apply. Although credit inquiries can lower your score slightly, it may be worth it to try, especially if your score is hovering between the good and excellent mark.

Find The Best Credit Cards For 2024

No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.


Pros and Cons of a Premium Credit Card

Pros of Premium Cards

On most premium cards, the built-in benefits will make them stand out, though the exact perks vary by card. Here are some types of advantages offered by premium cards:

  • Increased reward earning rates
  • Sizable welcome offers
  • Statement credits toward select purchases
  • Memberships in partner programs, such as airport lounge groups
  • Elite status in travel or other partnering programs, which bestow additional benefits
  • Enhanced protections, insurances and more personalized customer service

Cons of Premium Cards

There’s one major downside to premium cards, along with a handful of minor ones. Here are some premium card disadvantages to consider:

  • High annual fees
  • May require additional fees for authorized users
  • Usually require good to excellent credit

Who Can Get a Premium Credit Card?

Those with excellent credit can get premium credit cards, and in some cases, those with good credit may be able to get certain premium cards. However, only those who can afford the annual fee should get premium credit cards. These fees are often more than $400 and can reach close to $700, which is a bit of an investment. If you’re looking for something more affordable, consider a mid-range card instead.

If you aren’t getting approved for a premium credit card and need to improve your credit, consider starting out by becoming an authorized user on a family member’s premium credit card. This can help you build or improve your credit while still getting some of the premium benefits available, depending on the card.

Why Do People Get Premium Credit Cards?

People get premium credit cards for the premium benefits. These might be things like hotel elite status, airport lounge access, high welcome bonuses and statement credits. In some cases, people may also choose premium credit cards for the prestige factor, though we don’t recommend that be your primary motivation for choosing a specific card.


How To Apply for a Premium Credit Card

Apply for a premium credit card the same you apply for any other credit card. But first, it’s a good idea to check your credit score to have an idea of where your credit stands and if you can expect to get approved.

You may want to also ensure you’re picking the right card with the right set of benefits so you can take advantage of the benefits to offset the annual fee.

Once you’ve chosen your card, navigate to the card’s website and click Apply. Fill out the required fields (you may be asked to provide information about your income and employment), then wait to see if you’re approved.

Pro Tip
Remember that applying for a card usually results in a hard pull of your credit. This credit inquiry may temporarily lower your score due to the extra credit inquiry. It’s best to only apply for a premium card if you think there’s a good chance you’ll be approved.

Are Premium Cards Worth It?

Customers who find premium cards matching their lifestyle may find that premium cards are worth it. A card offering high-end benefits that you’ll actually use along with a rewards program that makes sense for your needs can easily justify its annual fee.

However, many cards either focus on niche benefits or hard-to-use credits which will go unused by some customers. When you read through the benefits, if it doesn’t sound like a natural fit for your needs, that card might be worth a pass.

As with nearly everything in personal finance, there isn’t a perfect answer about whether premium cards are worth it as it all depends on the card you’re looking at as well as your credit profile.

To view rates and fees for the The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card please visit this page.
¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What credit cards are considered premium?

Credit cards that are considered premium usually come with many luxury benefits and a high annual fee—typically $400 and up.

Which card is the most prestigious?

Perhaps the most prestigious credit card out there is the Centurion® Card from American Express*. If you’re wondering why it’s not on our list, it’s because the card is so prestigious that it’s invite-only, which makes it extremely exclusive.

Is the Amex Platinum hard to get?

The Amex Platinum isn’t hard to get if you have an excellent credit score. It’s best to apply for this card if you have a good credit score or better and a high income, ensuring you can cover the annual fee and pay off your monthly bill while taking advantage of the card’s luxury benefits.

What is the annual fee commonly imposed by premium credit cards?

Most premium credit cards range in annual fee from $395 to $695. You will be able to check the exact amount for your preferred card before applying so that you aren’t surprised if you’re approved for the card.

Which premium credit card is best?

The best premium credit card for you will be the one with a suite of benefits and rewards categories that you actually use. You also need to consider the annual fee as some premium cards might come with fees acceptable to you while others may be double the cost and harder to legitimize unless it’s a perfect fit for your needs.


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*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card, Centurion® Card from American Express. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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