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Best Premium and Luxury Credit Cards of July 2024

With their top-tier rewards and luxury benefits, premium credit cards can be an attractive option. Offering perks like airport lounge access, generous welcome offers and valuable statement credits, these cards can help add an element of luxury to your life. However, these high-end credit cards come with high annual fees and strict requirements, so consider your options carefully before adding one to your wallet. Keep reading to learn which premium credit cards we recommend and why.

Our top picks for the best premium credit cards

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Best for flexible benefits + high point value

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3X points on non-Chase travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.

Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
22.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card comes with various alluring benefits, like a $300 annual travel statement credit that effectively covers over half of the $550 yearly fee. However, one of the primary perks of this card is its point value— 50% more value (1.5 cents per point) when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠. On top of that, it comes with airport lounge access through Priority Pass and an application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.

Best for a plethora of statement credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If you total up the available statement credits on The Platinum Card® From American Express, they’re easily worth over $1,500. Add on perks like airport lounge access and exclusive events, and this card is a winner for VIP travelers.
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Card Details

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  • $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when paying with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 back in statement credits every month when you make eligible purchases with your Platinum Card®. This offer applies to Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • Escape the hectic nature of the airport with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. With complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, you can enjoy more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Maximize savings on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership using your Platinum Card® and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one eligible airline and then get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you are charged incidental fees by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Receive Uber VIP status and get up to $200 annually ($15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December) in Uber Cash on Rides or Eats orders in the U.S. Uber Cash and VIP status are only available to Basic Card Members. To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States. Terms apply.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get to your gate faster at over 50 airports nationwide with CLEAR® Plus and receive up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use your card. Subject to auto-renewal. CLEARLanes are available at over 100 airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Use your Platinum Card® to receive up to $100 in statement credits for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com annually (Up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually). Enrollment is required.
  • Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile and enjoy access to exclusive reservations and unique dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
  • Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
  • Very generous welcome offer
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695
  • Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
  • Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular

Best for a lower annual fee

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on airfare purchased through the portal, and 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.

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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
While most premium cards on this list have annual fees over $500, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card’s fee comes in under $400. It doesn’t skimp on perks either, and the $300 annual travel credit offsets the majority of the fee by itself.
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Card Details

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  • Get $300 annual credit for booking trips through Capital One Travel; you’ll also receive Capital One’s top prices on thousands of trip options
  • Enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every year, which is equivalent to $100 towards travel, starting on your first anniversary
  • Unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One lounges and the partner lounge network, for you and two guests
  • Use Venture X miles to cover the cost of travel expenses, such as flights, hotels and rental cars; you can even transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
  • Enhance every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Pros
  • Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transfers to international airlines, and more
  • Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
  • Huge welcome offer
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Large spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
  • Excellent credit required

Best for Delta loyalists

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

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Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X miles per dollar on Delta purchases made directly with Delta and 1X miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
60,000 miles
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If Delta is your preferred airline, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is worth considering. With perks like Delta Sky Club access, The Centurion Lounge access, an annual companion certificate, and more, this card’s perks can easily outweigh the fee for the Delta loyalist.
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Card Details

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  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club®. Starting 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 annual visits; to unlock unlimited visits each year starting 2/1/25, total eligible purchases on the Card must reach $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner when you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card.
  • Your traveling companions can benefit from four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
  • Enhance your Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
  • You can receive a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewing your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees, up to $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and up to $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants using your enrolled Card, up to a total of $240 per year with the Resy Credit.
  • Receive up to $10 back each month when you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  • Save 15% on Award Travel bookings for Delta flights. This discount does not apply to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • If you’re not a Medallion Member, you will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members when you have an eligible ticket.
  • Benefit from Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights, allowing you to board early, stow your carry-on bag, and settle in sooner.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when traveling overseas.
  • Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
  • Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs & Amex Centurion Lounges
  • Annual Companion Certificate, good for one ticket in the same class you’re in
  • Very generous welcome offer
Cons
  • High annual fee ($650)
  • Low rewards rate on non-Delta spending categories
  • Requires good to excellent credit

Best for Marriott loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6X points per dollar spent at participating hotels, 3X points at restaurants worldwide, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
95,000 points
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the ideal traveling companion for Marriott hotel loyalists, with complimentary Platinum Elite Status, a free night award, annual statement credits and more.
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Card Details

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  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Enjoy up to $300 (up to $25 a month) in statement credits each calendar year for eligible purchases made at restaurants across the world on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
  • Enjoy room upgrades, such as enhanced views or suites, with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status when available at selected properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Free Night Award: Get 1 Free Night Award each year after your Card renewal month. This award can be redeemed for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • You’ll be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases using your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Only one Earned Choice Award can be earned per calendar year.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Get up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when using your card to book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • You can get 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Certain limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to American Express cards. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which provides unlimited airport lounge visits to more than 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, no matter the carrier or class you are flying. This means you can relax before or between flights. You can also enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a peaceful, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Cell Phone Protection
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Extensive perks
  • Generous rewards rate
  • Many eligible properties worldwide
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Few redemption options
  • Large spending requirement for welcome offer

Best for business travelers

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

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Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels through American Express Travel, 1.5 points per dollar on eligible business expenses and purchases of $5,000+ (up to $2 million yearly), and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
150,000 points
Regular APR
19.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Business travelers can go in style with The Business Platinum Card® From American Express’ high-value perks. Extensive airport lounge access, generous statement credits, a valuable welcome offer and more help to offset this card’s objectively high annual fee.
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Card Details

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  • Access over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases in your first year with the Business Platinum Card®, including credits for tech, recruiting, and wireless. Enrollment required.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Choose a qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by the airline to your Card.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your Business Platinum Card® to get up to $189 in statement credits annually for your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® offers complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges in 140+ countries, providing more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer as of 03/2023.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Excellent welcome offer
  • Easy to earn points
  • Great travel benefits
Cons
  • No intro APR offer
  • Hefty $695 annual fee
  • High spending requirement for welcome offer

Best for everyday spending

American Express® Gold Card

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Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X) and restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$250
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Self-proclaimed foodies will be able to maximize rewards on the American Express® Gold Card the most. With hundreds of dollars worth of dining and travel-related statement credits, no foreign transaction fees, and solid reward-earning potential at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, this card is ideal for home chefs and restaurant-hoppers alike.
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Card Details

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  • Up to $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card as a payment method on your Uber account and automatically receive $10 in Uber Cash each month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. (Up to $120 annually.) To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States.
  • Up to $120 Dining Credit: Enjoy up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use your American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • $100 experience credit: Receive a $100 experience credit when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit amounts vary by property, and are given only with a minimum two-night stay.
  • Customize your card to fit your style: Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Generous welcome offer
  • High rewards potential
  • Many transfer partners available
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Complicated statement credits
  • Good or excellent credit recommended

Comparing the best premium credit cards

Advertiser Disclosure

Best premium credit cards: Editorial reviews

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

[ jump to details ]

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a nice selection of travel perks — a 60,000-point welcome bonus if you spend at least $4,000 in three months, a $300 annual travel credit and a complimentary Priority Pass membership. Plus, you’ll get a 50% value boost for points you redeem through Chase Travel. However, with its annual fee of $550, it may not be the best if you don’t travel regularly and can’t make the most out of its travel perks.

▶︎ Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve review

The Platinum Card® from American Express

[ jump to details ]

If you’re in the market for a luxury American Express card, it’s hard to beat The Platinum Card® from American Express. We love that it comes with an impressive welcome offer and a slew of statement credits to cover everything from hotel stays to a Walmart+ membership. However, the hyper-specificity of these statement credits may make them difficult to maximize. Although this card includes complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection, it may not be of interest if your travel is limited to smaller domestic airports.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Platinum Card review

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another of our favorite premium travel credit cards — but only for people who travel regularly. Although it has one of the lower annual fees ($395), you can earn a super generous welcome offer, a $300 travel credit each year and a 10,000-mile bonus every year. The card also includes Priority Pass lounge access.

▶︎ Read more: Venture X Card review

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

[ jump to details ]

For Delta frequent flyers, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is one of the best luxury credit card options on the market. You can earn a sizable welcome bonus, 3X points per dollar on Delta purchases, and enjoy perks like an annual Companion Certificate. Plus, when booking award flights through Delta, you’ll enjoy a 15% discount.

Currently, this card includes unlimited visits to the Delta Sky Club. If this is a factor in your choice, note that on February 1, 2025, this perk will be reduced to 15 visits per year (to unlock unlimited visits each year starting 2/1/25, total eligible purchases on the Card must reach $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter).

▶︎ Read more: Delta SkyMiles Reserve review

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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Do you check in to Marriott properties frequently? The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card may be a great value; if not, we recommend a more general travel credit card. This card has a high-value welcome bonus, a free night award, complimentary Platinum Elite Status, annual statement credits and 6X points per dollar on Marriott purchases.

▶︎ Read more: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant review

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

[ jump to details ]

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a high-value welcome offer for businesses who can spend enough to earn it. This card’s annual fee is one of the highest we’ve seen, but it does come with statement credits toward tech, recruiting, and wireless to help defray some of your business expenses. Enrollment required.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Business Platinum Card review

American Express® Gold Card

[ jump to details ]

With its large welcome offer and high rewards-earning rates at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, the American Express® Gold Card is a great option if you want to earn from everyday purchases. Its annual fee is on the higher end, but its statement credits more than make up for it - as long as you can use them.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Gold Card review

What is a premium credit card?

A premium credit card offers a wide variety of high-value benefits — far more than a traditional credit card. Specific perks vary but commonly include large welcome bonuses, access to airport lounges, generous travel credits and complimentary high-tier status for airlines and hotels. You can also earn impressive bonus rewards across a range of categories.

Of course, these benefits come at a cost. The top premium credit cards all have high annual fees.

Why choose a premium credit card?

You might choose a premium credit card if you’re searching for luxury perks. If you can find a card with benefits that you’re likely to use, it’s relatively easy to get enough value to justify the high annual fee.

Pros and cons of luxury credit cards

Pros
  • Luxury benefits
  • Valuable rewards
  • Large welcome bonuses
Cons
  • High credit requirements
  • High annual fee
  • Requires attention

Benefits of a premium credit card

Here are the most important advantages of having a luxury credit card in your wallet.

Luxury benefits

Premium credit cards are all about the benefits:

Valuable rewards

If you love to play the miles and points game, a premium credit card can be a great investment. Many of these rewards credit cards come with impressive bonus categories that help you earn more in points, miles or cash back.

Large welcome bonuses

Premium cards often offer the best credit card welcome bonuses, allowing you to earn a lump sum of points or miles as soon as you reach a specific spending threshold in a set period of time. However, this threshold is usually a lot higher than it is for standard cards.

Drawbacks of a premium credit card

High credit requirements

It isn’t always easy to get approved for a premium credit card. At a minimum, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score, an adequate income and a solid credit profile.

High annual fee

The most exclusive credit cards come with high annual fees. If you’re uncertain about your ability to absorb that charge each year — or if you don’t think you’ll be able to use enough of the benefits to justify it — it might be worth considering a card with no annual fee (or at least a lower annual fee).

Requires attention

If you want to get the most from your premium credit card’s perks, you’ll need to pay attention to how you’re using it. Make sure you’re tracking bonus rewards categories, and read the terms carefully to maximize the benefits.

Who can get premium credit cards?

Most issuers reserve their best high-end credit cards for people with excellent credit. American Express typically requires a score of 661 to 780; the Platinum card, in particular, requires a high score. The Capital One Venture X is limited to people with excellent credit, which means a score of 800 or higher. 

Is a premium credit card worth it?

A premium credit card is worth it only if you use enough of the benefits to cover the annual fee. While you’re at it, look at your spending patterns to estimate how much you’ll earn in rewards — then, calculate the value of those rewards to see if it helps defray the costs of the card. 

In most cases, premium cards are only a good idea if you can pay off the balance each month; otherwise, the interest charges can negate the benefits.

• • • • •

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please visit this page.

FAQ: Best premium credit cards

What is the most luxurious credit card?

The most luxurious credit cards include The Platinum Card From American Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Capital One Venture X card.

What is the annual fee on premium credit cards?

The annual fee for premium credit cards usually ranges from $250 to $695 or more.

What is considered a premium credit card?

A premium credit card is one that offers luxurious perks, such as complimentary airport lounge access, high reward rates, generous welcome offers and valuable benefits.

Is Amex a premium credit card?

Many American Express credit cards are considered premium including the Platinum Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.

About the Author

Elizabeth Smith
Elizabeth Smith Personal Finance

Elizabeth Smith is an experienced travel and finance writer who specializes in topics including credit cards, travel insurance, and personal finance. Travel insurance, in particular, has both professional and personal significance for Smith. She’s traveled to 73 countries, and has extensive experience choosing and using various policies — she understands how valuable the right plan can be in an emergency, and loves to help readers find the perfect fit.

Smith comes to the world of finance from a scientific and technical background. She spent more than 10 years writing about engineering, science, and technology for universities and private companies. When she’s not writing or traveling, Smith can usually be found hiking or Nordic skiing.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken
Blake Esken Los Angeles Times

Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.

As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.

He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.

* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

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