Selecting the finest bank cards on your pockets could be powerful. Every card affords completely different perks, incomes buildings for factors and kinds of rewards.
Let’s evaluate the advantages and worth propositions of among the finest premium bank cards accessible for brand spanking new candidates. We’ll give attention to 9 premium rewards playing cards:
Methodology for evaluating the very best premium bank cards
For this comparability, we’ll evaluate these playing cards throughout seven classes:
Annual charge
Present welcome supply
Potential to earn factors
Redemption choices
Assertion credit and notable perks
Lounge entry
Journey and buy protections
This evaluation is predicated on an on a regular basis traveler attempting to resolve which considered one of these playing cards is true for them. Since premium bank cards supply completely different perks and advantages, the cardboard that is proper on your pockets is dependent upon your particular wants.
Comparability of the very best premium playing cards
Card
Annual charge
Further cardholder charge
Welcome supply
Welcome supply worth*
Earnings
Discover out your supply and see if you’re eligible for as excessive as 175,000 bonus factors after spending $8,000 on purchases throughout the first six months of card membership. Welcome affords fluctuate, and also you will not be eligible for a proposal.
As much as $3,500
5 factors per greenback spent on airfare purchases booked via the airline or American Categorical Journey® (on as much as $500,000 of those purchases per calendar 12 months, then 1 level per greenback)
5 factors per greenback spent on pay as you go lodges booked via Amex Journey
1 level per greenback spent on different eligible purchases
$175 annual charge for the primary three licensed customers; $175 for every licensed person after that
For a restricted time, earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
$1,700
10 miles per greenback spent on eligible lodges booked via aa.com/lodges and eligible automobile leases booked via aa.com/automobiles
4 miles per greenback spent on eligible American Airways purchases
1 mile per greenback spent on all different purchases
$595
$75 per further cardholder
Earn 75,000 bonus factors after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
$1,425
12 factors per greenback spent on lodges, automobile leases and sights booked via Citi Journey
6 factors per greenback spent on air journey booked via Citi Journey
6 factors per greenback spent at eating places, together with restaurant supply providers, on CitiNights℠ purchases each Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to six a.m. Japanese time; earn 3 factors per greenback spent on eating every other time
1.5 factors per greenback spent on all different purchases
Earn as much as 125,000 bonus miles after assembly two spending thresholds:
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Plus, earn 25,000 bonus miles after spending an extra $3,000 on purchases (for a complete of $9,000) within the first six months of card membership.
This supply ends April 1.
As much as $1,563
3 miles per greenback spent on eligible Delta purchases
1 mile per greenback spent on different eligible purchases
Earn 150,000 bonus factors after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
$750
14 factors per greenback spent at Hilton portfolio properties worldwide
7 factors per greenback spent on flights booked straight with the airline or via Amex Journey
7 factors per greenback spent on automobile leases booked straight from choose automobile rental firms
7 factors per greenback spent at U.S. eating places (together with takeout and supply)
3 factors per greenback spent on different eligible purchases
Earn 100,000 bonus factors after spending $6,000 on purchases throughout the first six months of card membership.
$700
6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at lodges taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program
3 factors per greenback spent at eating places worldwide and on airfare bought straight with the airline
2 factors per greenback spent on different eligible purchases
$695
$0 for every further cardholder
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
$1,350
5 miles per greenback spent once you e book straight with Famend Resorts and Resorts for United® Cardmembers
4 miles per greenback spent on United purchases
2 miles per greenback spent on all different journey and eating purchases (together with eligible supply providers)
1 mile per greenback spent on different purchases
*Welcome supply worth is an estimated worth primarily based on TPG’s February 2026 valuations and isn’t offered by the issuer.
Annual charge
When evaluating a card’s annual charge, weigh the advantages and assertion credit it affords to see whether or not the worth justifies the associated fee. Some playing cards with excessive annual charges can present a lot worth that you could be even come out forward.
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Whether or not or not a card expenses a charge for further cardholders additionally issues. A number of of the playing cards on our listing do not cost a charge for extra cardholders (although some restrict the variety of complimentary customers you possibly can add).
The Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card permits licensed customers to get pleasure from an up-to-$400 Hilton resort assertion credit score every calendar 12 months (as much as $200 biannually).
Nonetheless, the Enterprise X is the winner on this class. At first, its $395 annual charge is way decrease than the remainder of the gang. Plus, you possibly can add as much as 4 licensed customers for no further cost.
However it is very important word that in case your licensed person desires Capital One lounge entry, you will must pay $125 per individual for as much as 4 licensed customers.
All of the premium playing cards listed above include profitable welcome affords that may assist get you nearer to your subsequent huge journey.
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Playing cards that earn transferable rewards for his or her welcome affords are value greater than their cobranded counterparts.
For instance, with the Amex Platinum, you’ll find out your supply and see if you’re eligible for as excessive as 175,000 bonus factors after spending $8,000 on purchases throughout the first six months of card membership. Welcome affords fluctuate, and also you will not be eligible for a proposal.
The Amex Platinum welcome supply is value as much as $3,500 primarily based on TPG’s February 2026 valuations. That is considerably extra useful than just about any cobranded card’s welcome supply.
One other necessary side when evaluating premium bank cards is the points-earning potential and the rewards you possibly can earn.
The Sapphire Reserve comes out on high right here. It affords probably the most useful currencies for all kinds of purchases. Chase Final Rewards factors are value 2.05 cents apiece, in response to TPG’s February 2026 valuations.
The Strata Elite additionally gives excessive incomes charges when spending via its portal. Citi ThankYou Rewards factors are value barely lower than Final Rewards factors, at a 1.9 cents-per-point valuation per TPG’s February 2026 valuations.
One other necessary side when evaluating premium playing cards is the redemption choices. Usually, the cardboard that gives probably the most worth is the one that provides switch companions.
Card
Redemption/switch choices
You’ll be able to redeem factors to e book journey straight via Chase Journey; with the Factors Increase perk, your factors could be value as much as 2 cents apiece, relying on the precise redemption (see your rewards program settlement for full particulars).
You’ll be able to redeem miles for flights on American Airways and its varied Oneworld alliance companions and nonalliance companions like Etihad Airways, in addition to upgrades, lodges, rental automobiles, experiences and Admirals Membership passes.
You’ll be able to redeem miles for flights on Delta and its varied SkyTeam or nonalliance companions like WestJet, in addition to seat upgrades, Delta Holidays packages, Delta Stays, automobile leases, SkyMiles experiences and magazines.
All these premium card choices supply assertion credit and perks designed to offer worth to cardholders. In some circumstances, when you use the total worth of those credit and perks, you possibly can recuperate your annual charge. In some circumstances, you may even come out forward.
As much as $400 Resy assertion credit score per calendar 12 months (allotted as much as $100 quarterly) once you pay together with your card at taking part U.S. Resy eating places
As much as $300 per calendar 12 months in Lululemon assertion credit at U.S. Lululemon retail shops (excluding shops) and lululemon.com (allotted as much as $75 quarterly)
As much as $200 per calendar 12 months (allotted as much as $15 month-to-month, plus an as much as $20 bonus in December) in Uber Money (legitimate on U.S. purchases; add your Amex Platinum to your Uber account and redeem with any Amex card)
As much as $200 per calendar 12 months in assertion credit towards Oura Ring purchases ({hardware} solely)
As much as $155 per calendar 12 months (allotted as much as $12.95 month-to-month) in assertion credit for one Walmart+ membership (Plus Ups are excluded)
$120 International Entry or as much as $85 TSA PreCheck utility charge assertion credit score (as soon as each 4 years for International Entry or each 4 1/2 years for TSA PreCheck)
As much as $120 per calendar 12 months towards an annual Uber One membership
As much as $500 in annual assertion credit (given as two, $250 assertion credit) for The Edit lodges to make use of on bookings (minimal two-night keep required)
As much as $300 annual StubHub and Viagogo credit score (allotted $150 biannually) via Dec. 31, 2027; activation required
As much as $300 annual eating credit score at OpenTable
As much as $300 annual worth with DoorDash: Cardholders obtain as much as $25 in month-to-month promos with two $10 nonrestaurant promos and one $5 restaurant promo, plus a complimentary DashPass membership for at the very least one 12 months (should activate by Dec. 31, 2027)
As much as $288 yearly in complimentary Apple TV and Apple Music subscriptions (one-time activation per service via chase.com or Chase Cellular app required; subscriptions run via June 22, 2027)
As much as $120 annual in-app Lyft credit (allotted as much as $10 month-to-month; via Sept. 30, 2027); credit score doesn’t apply to Wait & Save, bike or scooter rides
As much as $120 Peloton credit score ($10 month-to-month; via Dec. 31, 2027; activation required)
As much as $120 International Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus utility charge assertion credit score (as soon as each 4 years)
As much as $120 in Lyft credit; after taking three eligible rides in a calendar month, you’ll earn a $10 Lyft credit score (for a complete of as much as $120 Lyft credit yearly)
As much as $120 again on Grubhub purchases as an announcement credit score of as much as $10 per month-to-month billing assertion on eligible Grubhub purchases (for a complete of as much as $120 for each 12 billing statements)
As much as $120 again in assertion credit per calendar 12 months on Avis or Funds automobile leases as an announcement credit score on eligible pay as you go Avis or Funds automobile leases booked straight
As much as $120 International Entry or TSA PreCheck utility charge assertion credit score (as soon as each 4 years)
Free checked bag on home flights and 25% off of inflight food-and-beverage purchases
As much as $300 yearly on pay as you go resort stays booked with Citi Journey (minimal two-night keep required)
As much as $200 yearly in Splurge credit for alternative of as much as two of the next manufacturers: 1stDibs (promoting luxurious artwork, furnishings and jewellery), American Airways, Greatest Purchase, Future Private Coaching and Stay Nation (exclusions apply)
As much as $200 yearly for Blacklane non-public chauffeur service (break up into $100 biannually)
As much as $120 International Entry or TSA PreCheck utility charge assertion credit score (as soon as each 4 years)
As much as $240 Resy assertion credit score per calendar 12 months (allotted as much as $20 month-to-month) once you pay together with your card at taking part U.S. Resy eating places
As much as $120 ride-hailing assertion credit score per calendar 12 months (allotted as much as $10 month-to-month) once you use your card at choose ride-hailing suppliers within the U.S.
$120 International Entry or as much as $85 TSA PreCheck utility charge assertion credit score (as soon as each 4 years for International Entry or each 4 1/2 years for TSA PreCheck)
Free checked bag
Improve precedence and being positioned on the complimentary improve listing
20% off of inflight purchases (within the type of an announcement credit score)
TakeOff15 (a 15% low cost on Delta award flight redemptions)
Hertz President’s Circle standing (enrollment within the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is required)
Annual companion certificates
Enrollment is required for choose advantages.
As much as $400 Hilton resort assertion credit score per calendar 12 months (allotted as much as $200 biannually)
As much as $200 flight assertion credit score per calendar 12 months (allotted as much as $50 quarterly) for flights booked straight or via amextravel.com
As much as $209 Clear Plus membership assertion credit score per calendar 12 months (topic to auto-renewal)
As much as $100 in on-property credit score for two-night Waldorf Astoria or Conrad stays
Free night time certificates upon account opening and a free night time certificates on every cardmember anniversary
**Upon enrollment, accessible via the Capital One web site or cell app, eligible cardholders will stay at that standing degree via the length of the supply. Observe that enrolling via the traditional Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment course of (e.g., at hertz.com) won’t routinely detect a cardholder as being eligible for this system, and cardholders won’t be routinely upgraded to the relevant standing tier. Further phrases apply.
Evaluation
The Amex Platinum has a slew of advantages; when you can maximize them, you’ll greater than offset the cardboard’s annual charge. Nonetheless, the worth they will present in your scenario can fluctuate.
The Sapphire Reserve additionally affords loads of worth. The cardboard’s finest profit is its $300 journey credit score, which is increased than most rivals’ and applies to any journey buy (versus simply charges or airfare, like a few of its competitors).
The Strata Elite gives some credit and advantages to assist offset its annual charge, however they don’t seem to be as plentiful or helpful as different premium playing cards.
The Enterprise X additionally has a $300 journey credit score, although it is extra restricted: It solely applies to bookings made via Capital One Journey. On the plus aspect, with the ten,000 anniversary bonus miles and the total worth of the journey credit score, you possibly can internet optimistic worth yearly.
The cobranded resort playing cards supply substantial worth when staying at Hilton or Marriott properties and helpful hotel-related assertion credit and advantages like elite standing and free night time awards.
The cobranded airline playing cards present modest assertion credit, however the inflight reductions and free checked baggage could be very helpful when you continuously fly on a type of airways.
Eligible cardmembers will obtain 10 visits per 12 months to the Delta Sky Membership; to earn an infinite variety of visits annually, cardmembers should spend $75,000 or extra in a 12 months; primary financial system tickets are usually not eligible for entry
Different International Lounge Assortment accomplice lounges as an eligible cardmember
Enrollment is required for choose advantages.
Full Admirals Membership membership with entry to Alaska Airways lounges and over 50 accomplice lounges
Should have a same-day boarding go for an eligible flight
Can add as much as three licensed customers for $175, and $175 for every licensed person after that; every will obtain Admirals Membership entry
Should have a same-day boarding go for an eligible flight
4 Admirals Membership Citi Strata Elite passes every calendar 12 months
Precedence Cross lounge entry
15 Sky Membership visits when touring on Delta-coded or Delta-operated flights
To earn an infinite variety of visits annually, cardmembers should spend $75,000 or extra in a 12 months; primary financial system tickets are usually not eligible for entry
Licensed customers get their very own 15-visit Sky Membership allotment
