Make the Upgrade—Premium Cards That Give You More
Find the right premium credit card from our partners to unlock exclusive rewards and benefits fit for your lifestyle.
Compare Featured Premium Cards
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Frequently Asked Questions
Luxury cards, with their high annual fees, are best for frequent travelers who maximize benefits like lounge access and travel perks. Infrequent travelers will likely want to opt for lower-fee cards. For frequent flyers, premium perks often outweigh the cost, covering expenses like baggage fees and lounge access, while adding rewards and travel protections. Mid-tier cards (~$95-$250) might offer some premium benefits, balancing cost and value, so they are another good consideration. To decide if a premium card is worth it, compare the annual fee to the value of the perks you’ll realistically use.
Luxury credit cards typically require an excellent credit score, generally in the range of 740 to 800 or higher. While some issuers may consider scores slightly below this range, a strong credit history is crucial. This includes factors like consistent on-time payments, low credit utilization, and a long credit history. Additionally, a high income is often a significant factor in approval for these premium cards.
Consider a premium credit card when you’re comfortable with annual fees and desire enhanced perks beyond your current card. While no-fee cards offer benefits, premium cards unlock luxury experiences like airport lounge access, travel credits, and concierge services. If you’ll regularly use these benefits, the fee is likely easy to offset. When you’re ready to elevate your rewards strategy, premium cards can be a worthwhile investment.
The biggest differences come down to benefits depth and annual fee. Standard travel cards typically earn bonus points on travel and dining and may include basic perks like trip delay insurance or no foreign transaction fees. Premium cards layer on top of that with lounge memberships, hotel and airline elite status, high-value statement credits, and dedicated concierge access. You're essentially paying for a more comprehensive travel ecosystem, not just a rewards rate.
Most premium cards offer a robust set of travel protections that can save you significantly when things go wrong. These commonly include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost or delayed baggage coverage, and travel accident insurance. Many also extend to rental car collision coverage. The coverage limits and specific terms vary by card, so it's worth reading the benefits guide before you rely on them.
When is Going Premium Worth It?
If you’re unsure, it helps to think through your spending habits and how you plan to use rewards.
Redeeming Points
If you use points often, you can boost rewards and unlock exclusive benefits.
Travel Frequency
Frequent fliers get more value out of lounge access and other premium services.
Statement Credits
A card that fits your lifestyle can offset annual fees if you use statement credits consistently.
Bonus Category Spending
Extra spending earns points faster and maximizes your rewards potential.
