Premium/Luxury
Written by
Yehoshua King
Edited by
Ross Turner
No matter what a credit card company or advertisement says, there isn’t a single “best” credit card for everyone. The best card for you depends on your spending habits, credit score, existing debt and more. But with so many options to choose from, picking the right card can be intimidating. At The Points Navigator, we have reviewed all the top cards and compiled it into categorized lists with all the most important information to help you find the best card for YOU!
The Platinum Card from American Express
Rewards rate
5X Points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X Points on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com.
1X Points on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
Extensive travel benefits including access to the Global Lounge Collection, offering more airport lounge options than any other credit card on the market.
Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits for incidental charges with a selected airline.
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors™ Gold status.
Up to $200 in annual Uber Cash for rides and eats orders in the U.S.
No foreign transaction fees.
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage including trip delay, cancellation, and interruption insurance.
High annual fee of $695
The rewards rate on non-travel and non-hotel purchases is lower compared to some other premium credit cards.
Some benefits require enrollment and have caps, such as the digital entertainment credit and the dining statement credit, which may limit their utility for some cardholders.
Card Details
The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for frequent travelers. Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, plus enjoy extensive lounge access, hotel elite status, and up to $400 in annual credits for airlines, Uber, and more. While the $695 annual fee is substantial (see rates and fees), along with lower earning rates outside of travel bookings, this card delivers significant value for those who maximize its travel benefits.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Rewards rate
6X Points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
3X Points at restaurants worldwide.
3X Points on flights booked directly with airlines.
2X Points on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
High bonus points earning rate on Marriott hotel stays.
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status.
Annual Free Night Award after Card renewal month, usable for a night worth up to 85,000 points.
Up to $300 in dining statement credits annually.
No foreign transaction fees.
25 Elite Night Credits each calendar year towards Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
High annual fee of $650.
Dining credit is distributed monthly, requiring monthly dining purchases to fully utilize.
Card Details
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers premium perks for frequent Marriott guests. Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels, 3X on dining and flights, and enjoy Platinum Elite status, a generous Free Night Award, up to $300 in dining credits, and Priority Pass™ Select membership. While the $650 annual fee is high (see rates and fees), dedicated Marriott Bonvoy loyalists will find substantial value in the card’s rewards and travel benefits.
Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express
Rewards rate
3X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta.
1X Miles on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Miles on all other purchases.
Complimentary Delta Sky Club Access and an annual Companion Certificate for certain flights.
Up to $240 Resy Credit and $120 Rideshare Credit annually.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
High annual fee of $650.
Benefits are most valuable for frequent Delta flyers.
Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card unlocks premium travel for frequent Delta flyers. Earn 3X miles on Delta flights, get an annual Companion Certificate, and enjoy Delta Sky Club access, plus up to $360 in annual Resy and rideshare credits. While the $650 annual fee is steep (see rates and fees), dedicated Delta customers will reap significant rewards and travel perks.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Rewards rate
5X Points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com.
5X Points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5K or more, up to $2 million per calendar year.
1X Points on other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
High rewards rate on travel booked through AmexTravel.
Comprehensive travel benefits including access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
Up to $200 airline fee credit and up to $189 CLEAR Plus credit annually.
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors™ Gold status.
Over $1,000 in annual statement credits for business expenses with partners like Dell, Indeed, Adobe, and wireless telephone services.
High annual fee of $695.
High spending requirement for the welcome offer.
Benefits and rewards are most valuable for frequent travelers.
Card Details
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is built for frequent business travelers. Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, plus up to $1,000+ in annual statement credits for business services. Enjoy lounge access, hotel elite status, $200 in airline fee credits, and more. While the $695 annual fee is high (see rates & fees), businesses that utilize the travel benefits and statement credits will find significant value.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
Rewards rate
2X Miles on purchases made directly with Delta.
2X Miles on U.S. eligible purchases at shipping providers & advertising purchases in select media *Cap applies.
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
Generous 80,000 bonus miles offer.
2X Miles on Delta and select business purchases.
$200 Delta Flight Credit after $10K annual spend.
First Checked Bag Free and Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding.
No foreign transaction fees.
$150 annual fee after the first year.
Spending cap on 2X Miles categories.
High APR for those carrying a balance.
Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is a solid choice for frequent Delta flyers. Earn a generous bonus, 2X miles on Delta and select business purchases, plus get a $200 Delta Flight Credit after $10k annual spend. Enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees. While there’s an annual fee after the first year, travel perks and rewards make this card worthwhile for loyal Delta customers.
American Express Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card
Rewards rate
3X Miles on purchases made directly with Delta.
5X Miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases.
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
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Pros & cons
Generous bonus miles offer.
High earning rate on Delta purchases.
Valuable annual travel credits and companion certificate.
Complimentary lounge access including The Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club.
No foreign transaction fees.
High annual fee of $650.
High spending requirement for the intro bonus.
APR can be high for those carrying a balance.
Limited to 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year starting 2/1/25 without additional spending requirements.
Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is ideal for businesses heavily reliant on Delta. Earn a generous bonus, 3X miles on Delta purchases, and enjoy Delta Sky Club access (up to 15 visits annually), plus annual travel credits and a companion certificate. While the $650 annual fee is high (see rates and fees), frequent Delta flyers will reap significant travel benefits and rewards.
Mastercard Gold Card
Rewards rate
2% value for airfare redemptions: 250,000 points can redeem a $1,000 ticket with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
2% value for cash back redemptions: Cash back can be deposited directly into a US bank account or applied as a statement credit.
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Pros & cons
2% value for both airfare and cash back redemptions.
Comprehensive 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge service.
$200 Annual Airline Credit and various travel benefits.
No foreign transaction fees.
High annual fee of $995.
APR can be high post-introductory offer depending on creditworthiness.
Balance transfer fee applies.
Card Details
The Mastercard® Gold Card™ delivers luxury travel and high rewards. Enjoy 2% value on both airfare and cash back redemptions, 24/7 concierge service, and a $200 airline credit to offset the $995 annual fee. It also includes over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide for a premium travel experience. While the APR can be high after the intro period, those who value luxury perks and flexible rewards will find value in this card.
Mastercard Titanium Card
Rewards rate
2% value for airfare redemptions: 250,000 points can redeem a $1,000 ticket with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
1% value for cash back redemptions: Cash back can be deposited directly into a US bank account or applied as a statement credit.
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Pros & cons
2% value for airfare redemptions.
1% value for cash back redemptions.
Comprehensive 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge service.
No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
Annual fee of $195.
Cash back redemption value is lower compared to airfare redemptions.
Balance transfer and cash advance fees apply.
Card Details
The Mastercard® Titanium Card™ offers a sleek design and rewards for travelers. Enjoy 2% value on airfare redemptions, 1% on cash back, plus 24/7 concierge service and no foreign transaction fees. Keep in mind the $195 annual fee and that cash back rewards have lower value than airfare redemptions.
Mastercard Black Card
Rewards rate
2% Value for Airfare Redemptions: 50,000 points can redeem for a $1,000 ticket.
1.5% Value for Cash Back Redemptions: Cash back can be deposited directly into a US bank account or applied as a statement credit.
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Pros & cons
High Reward Rates: 2% value for airfare redemptions and 1.5% value for cash back redemptions.
Comprehensive Travel Benefits: Includes $100 Global Entry & TSA Pre✓ credit, $100 annual airline credit, VIP Priority Pass™ Select with airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
24/7 Luxury Card Concierge: Personalized concierge service available via live chat, phone, SMS, and email.
Travel Insurance and Protections: Offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision waiver, travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel assistance.
Additional Perks: Access to Mastercard special offers, Luxury Card Travel benefits, and Mastercard ID Theft Protection™.
High Annual Fee: $495 annual fee, which is on the higher end for premium credit cards.
Cost for Authorized Users: $195 fee for each authorized user added to the account.
Balance Transfer Fee: There is a fee for balance transfers, which may detract from the 0% intro APR offer’s value.
Card Details
The Mastercard® Black Card™ is a luxury travel card boasting high rewards and exclusive perks. Earn 2% value on airfare redemptions, 1.5% on cash back, plus enjoy a $100 airline credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and Priority Pass™ lounge access. Luxury Card Concierge and extensive travel insurance add value. However, the $495 annual fee and $195 fee per authorized user make this card best suited for those who fully utilize its benefits.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Rewards rate
Earn 4 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
After spending $150,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, earn a total of 5X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases.
Earn 10 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aa.
com/hotels and on eligible car rentals booked through aa.
com/cars.
Earn 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Pros & cons
Comprehensive travel benefits including Admirals Club membership.
High earning rate on American Airlines purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every 4 years.
No limit on the miles you can earn.
High annual fee.
Requires significant spending to unlock the highest rewards rate.
Card Details
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive Card is a premium travel card for frequent American Airlines flyers. Enjoy Admirals Club membership, accelerated earnings on American purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Though the annual fee is high, dedicated American Airlines loyalists will find significant value in the card’s travel perks and rewards potential.