If you have an excellent credit score and are in the market for a high-end credit card, you will want to take a look at platinum cards.
These unique cards are made for big-spenders and those who travel a lot. Although they are not for most people, their rewards make them eye-catching.
Annual Fees May Indicate a Better Card
Credit card companies generally charge an annual fee to help recover some of their costs. The fee enables them to offer high-value points or miles–otherwise, they would lose more money than they would gain.Most of the better platinum cards come with annual fees, some as high as $695. Higher fees are offset by the hefty benefits that usually come with these cards–for those who can afford to use them often.
Credit cards with an annual fee are usually better cards. Cards that do not have an annual fee typically offer fewer benefits.
Why a Platinum Card with An Annual Fee May Be Worth It
Platinum credit cards with more benefits are harder to get, for the very reason that they offer more. To get one of these cards, you will need to have a good to excellent credit score, and often only people with an excellent score will be given one.There is a good reason for this: these cards usually come with much higher credit limits. The company offering the card wants to make sure that the cardholder is likely to pay for their higher-priced purchases. Credit limits will still depend on credit score and income, etc.
Three Best Platinum Cards
1. The American Express Platinum card
The American Express Platinum, which has one of the highest annual fees ($695), comes with a whole truckload of benefits. These benefits are designed for people who fly often, enjoy luxury travel, and stay in better hotels.When you are approved and meet the requirements, you will receive 100,000 points (note that bonus point promotions may end without notice and could vary in points awarded). If you take frequent advantage of the card’s best benefits, the points gained within a year are worth much more than the annual charge. The points could enable you to get a free flight and more.
You can earn more than $1,500 in bonus points per year by getting 5X the points on flights and hotels that are prepaid, a $200 hotel and $200 airline fee credit, a monthly bonus of $155 Walmart points (enough to pay your monthly Walmart+ membership), access to airport lounges, and $200 for Uber travel.
2. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
If you travel a lot for business, you may want to look at The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Although it has a high purchase demand of $15,000 within the first three months, and an annual fee of $695, the card rewards you with 120,000 points at the end of those three months.The Business Platinum Card offers zero percent interest on balances for 12 months. Cardholders also earn 5X the points for airline tickets, 1.5X on money spent on business purchases costing more than $5,000, and 1X on other purchases.
3. The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
If you want a platinum card that has no fees, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card may be the card for you. The card’s main benefit is that it offers two full years of zero interest on purchases and balance transfers. You can transfer up to $20,000 to this card. If you have balances on other credit cards, this could save you a lot of money in interest.Look for Benefits You Will Use
Each platinum card offers benefits geared toward particular users. A platinum card will only be worthwhile if you can use the benefits offered. The card with the most benefits–that you can and will actually use–is the wisest choice. Avoid choosing a card that offers a lot of points in areas that you are not likely to use.If you choose an airline miles card that offers a lot of points, the same thing applies. Make sure that the airline goes to destinations to which you are likely to travel, and make sure that it flies out of your closest airport.
Applying for A Platinum Credit Card
A platinum card often requires a credit score of 700 or higher. If you are not sure that your credit score is high enough, avoid applying to several cards at the same time. This can lower your credit score slightly, says Bankrate. Being refused a credit card will also lower your credit score.The Epoch Times Copyright © 2022 The views and opinions expressed are only those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.