Best Premium Credit Card for 2021

Premium credit cards are generally geared toward frequent travelers. So, those who travel several times a year should consider paying the $450 annual fee for some of the additional benefits. While $450 may seem like a lot at first, once you add up the value of those benefits, and factor in the travel statement credits often offered with a premium credit card, you’ll find the annual fee drops significantly — often below the $95 annual fee required for a general travel rewards card. Better rewards and statement credits for less than what you’d spend for a general travel rewards card: that’s money well spent in my book.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Who should get it

Much like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, The Platinum Card® from American Express is aimed squarely at the seasoned traveler who prefers not to cut corners on dining and lodging. The annual fee is a head turner at $550, but the card pays for itself through the volume of rewards and perks offered, such as travel credit and elite airport lounge access.

How to use it

Once you receive The Platinum Card® from American Express, there are a number of benefits available to you right away, including free credits for airline travel, Global Entry, credits for Uber usage and high-end status with hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott.

Consider this

The Platinum Card® from American Express allows for additional authorized users (for an additional fee), which really allows you to rack up rewards quickly. Gold Card holders can also be added to the account for free, allowing access to the same rates, but without many of the benefits offered on The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Why you’ll love it

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers one of the most generous welcome bonuses to be found in the industry, offering 75,000 Membership Rewards® points if you spend $5000 within the first 6 months. And while the card may be used for everyday purchases and activities, it’s the roster of perks that will have you using this card for years to come.

American Express® Gold Card

Who should get it

The American Express® Gold Card is a card for foodies, whether it’s eating out or dining at home, as it touts a considerable rate of reward for both restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases. Membership perks are also available for frequent travelers, with credits earned that more than make up for the rather stiff $250 annual fee.

How to use it

The American Express® Gold Card offers new account holders 60,000 Membership Rewards® points if they spend $4,000 in the first 6 months. Points continue to be earned on the order of 4 per dollar at restaurants across the globe, 4 per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X) and 3 per dollar on flight booked either directly through airlines or through amextravel.com.

Consider this

The American Express® Gold Card differentiates itself from traditional credit cards in that there is no predetermined credit limit, and you must pay off your balance each month.

Why you’ll love it

The American Express® Gold Card is the gold standard when it comes to restaurant and U.S. supermarket store purchases, as well as travel, lodging, and dining expenditures.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here .
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here .