The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

29 March 2023

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Picking the best travel rewards credit cards can be challenging. Each offers different perks, and this is especially true for premium cards. And because issuers keep upping the ante by launching new cards, adding benefits and increasing the cards’ annual fees, there’s more competition in this space than ever.

Today, we’ll compare the benefits and value propositions of some of the best premium credit cards that are available for new applicants. Here are the 10 premium rewards cards we’ll focus on:

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for premium lifestyle and travel benefits.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for saving on travel and adding authorized users for free.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for all-around travel.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit CardBest for Bank of America clients looking for flat-rate redemptions.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® CardBest for a moderate annual fee with easy-to-use credits.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Best for Hilton loyalists who want top-tier Diamond status.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott loyalists who want Platinum Elite status.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta flyers who want elite status boosts and Sky Club access.
United Club Infinite Card: Best for United flyers who want premium perks and access to United Clubs.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best for getting American Airlines flyers (and potentially lots of guests) into the Admirals Club.

The information for the Premium Rewards Elite , Altitude Reserve , and Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuers. 

Methodology for the best premium credit cards

While this list of cards has remained relatively stable, we saw massive shake-ups over the past two years.

MARTIN DIMITROV/GETTY IMAGES

The Capital One Venture X card debuted in late 2021 with excellent travel perks and an annual fee of $395 — the lowest of any card on this list.

Meanwhile, American Express increased the annual fee on the Amex Platinum Card from $550 to $695 (see rates and fees) in mid-2021. While the issuer added several new annual statement credits to offset this higher annual fee, many consumers were disgruntled by these changes. Also, Citi discontinued applications for its Citi Prestige® Card, and this once-popular travel rewards card can’t be obtained through product change from another card, either. Thus, Citi doesn’t have a card earning its own points — Citi ThankYou Rewards — as a contender among the best premium credit cards, which is not normal.

The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.          

For its part, Chase raised the annual fee on the Sapphire Reserve by $100 (up to $550) at the start of 2020 but also added partner benefits with Lyft (through 2025), DoorDash (through 2024), Peloton (through March 2025), Gopuff (through 2023) and Instacart (ongoing) over the past two years.

In September 2022, Amex raised the annual fee on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card from $450 to $650 (see rates and fees). The annual free night gained value for cardholders, though the card’s annual $300 spending credits lost value.

With all that in mind, we’ll compare these cards across seven categories:

Annual fee.
Current welcome offer.
Point-earning potential.
Redemption options.
Travel credits.
Lounge access.
Travel and purchase protections.

This analysis is based on a generic traveler trying to decide which one of these cards should go in their wallet. When it comes to choosing which one is the best, premium cards have varying perks and benefits — so the one that’s right for your wallet will depend on your specific wants and needs.

Annual fee

Card
Annual fee
Additional cardholder fee

Amex Platinum
$695 (see rates and fees).
$175 for up to three additional cardholders (see rates and fees).

Capital One Venture X
$395.
$0 for up to four authorized users.

Chase Sapphire Reserve
$550.
$75 for each additional cardholder.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite

$550.
$0 for each additional cardholder.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
$400.
$0 for each additional cardholder.

Hilton Amex Aspire
$450 (see rates and fees).
$0 for each additional cardholder (see rates and fees).

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
$650 (see rates and fees).
$0 for each additional cardholder (see rates and fees).

Delta SkyMiles Reserve
$550 (see rates and fees).
$0 per additional cardholder (see rates and fees).

United Club Infinite
$525.
$0 for each additional cardholder.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive
$450.
$0 for up to 10 authorized users.

Analysis

It would be easiest to pick the cards with the lowest annual fees, but that doesn’t tell the full story.

Whether or not a card charges for additional cardholders also makes a difference. Most cards on our list don’t charge a fee for additional cardholders (though some limit how many complimentary users you can add).

The Hilton Amex Aspire allows authorized users to enjoy an up-to-$100 property credit for eligible two-night stays at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties. Meanwhile, authorized users on the Citi / AAdvantage Executive card receive Admirals Club access for themselves and their immediate family members or up to two traveling companions.

Ultimately, however, the winner of this category is the Capital One Venture X. First and foremost, the $395 annual fee is much lower than the rest of the crowd. Plus, you can add up to four authorized users for no additional charge.

THE POINTS GUY

These users get benefits such as unlimited access (with up to two guests) to Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium lounges. They also get unlimited access with unlimited guests at Priority Pass lounges. That might be handier than Admirals Club access for many flyers — especially those who travel internationally where the Admirals Club might not have many locations.

Related: Credit cards with the greatest value for authorized users

Current sign-up bonus/welcome offer

Card
Sign-up bonus/welcome offer
TPG valuation*

Amex Platinum
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership (possibly higher targeted offers through CardMatch, subject to change at any time).
$1,600.

Capital One Venture X
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,388.

Chase Sapphire Reserve
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,200.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
$500.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
$750.

Hilton Amex Aspire
Earn 150,000 bonus Hilton Honors points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership.
$900.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
$798.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends March 29.
$1,269.

United Club Infinite Card
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$968.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive
Earn 50,000 miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$885.

* Based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.

Analysis

The Amex Platinum’s 80-000 point welcome bonus is the most valuable but also requires a higher-than-average amount of spending. Note that some folks might find an even higher welcome offer on the Amex Platinum by checking the CardMatch tool (offers are subject to change at any time).

Conversely, if we rank this category by return on spending, the Venture X bonus of 75,000 miles after $4,000 of spending wins. That’s a 34.7% return on spending. The least-valuable return comes from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: a 15.96% return on spending for the welcome bonus. The overall lowest value, however, is the bonus on the Premium Rewards Elite card.

Related: The best increased card offers to sign up for this month

Points-earning potential

Card
Earning rates

Amex Platinum

5 points per dollar on airfare purchases booked through the airline or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Capital One Venture X

10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2 miles per dollar on other purchases.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

10 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025).
10 points per dollar on Chase Dining booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
10 points per dollar on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $250 or more (through March 31, 2025 with a maximum of 50,000 bonus points).
5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
3 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases.
1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Elevated earning rates apply only after exhausting the $300 annual travel credit.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite

2 points per dollar on travel and dining.
1.5 points per dollar on other purchases.
Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn up to 75% extra on each purchase.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and rental cars booked in the Altitude Rewards Center.
3 points per dollar on travel purchases outside this portal and on mobile wallet purchases.
1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Hilton Amex Aspire

14 points per dollar at Hilton portfolio properties worldwide.
7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel.
7 points per dollar on car rentals booked directly from select companies.
7 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery).
3 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
3 points per dollar at worldwide restaurants and airfare purchased directly with the airline.
2 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve

3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases.

United Club Infinite

4 miles per dollar on United purchases.
2 miles per dollar on all other travel and dining purchases (including eligible delivery services).
1 mile per dollar on other purchases.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive

2 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases.
1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Analysis

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes out on top. It earns valuable Ultimate Rewards bonus points on a wide variety of purchases.

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

Like the Venture X, the Chase Sapphire Reserve racks up more bonus points on various types of travel booked through Chase’s own travel portal. However, the card pulls ahead of the Venture X by earning more points on general dining and travel purchases — plus bonus earnings with several partners. That said, the Venture X earns a solid 2 miles per dollar on everyday spending, which is pretty easy to maximize without needing to track spending categories.

The Hilton Amex Aspire takes the third spot, thanks to an incredible 14 points per dollar at Hilton properties and 7 points per dollar on airfare, car rentals and U.S. restaurants. These bonuses represent 8.4% and 4.2% returns on spending, respectively, based on TPG’s valuations.

While Bank of America’s Premium Rewards Elite offering sounds enticing with bonus earnings for Preferred Rewards members, you’ll need significant money in a qualifying account to earn a 3.5% return on dining purchases — not impressive.

Redemption options

Card
Redemption options

Amex Platinum
Numerous direct redemptions, such as gift cards, merchandise and travel; transfer points to 17 airline partners and three hotel partners.

Capital One Venture X
Transfer miles to 15 airline and three hotel loyalty partners or redeem for travel purchases on your statement at 1 cent per mile.

Chase Sapphire Reserve
Redeem points at a rate of 1.5 cents each toward travel via the Ultimate Rewards portal, offset some purchases through Chase’s Pay Yourself Back or transfer points to one of 12 airline partners and three hotel partners.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
Redeem points at a value of 1 cent each for travel, cash back, a statement credit, gift cards or experiences; redeem at 1.2 cents apiece when paying for airfare with the Bank of America Travel Center or concierge.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Redeem at a fixed rate of 1.5 cents toward travel via the Altitude Rewards Center or at varying values for statement credits, real-time rewards or cash.

Hilton Amex Aspire
Redeem points for stays at hotels in the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Redeem points for hotel stays in the Marriott Bonvoy program, along with useful airline transfers.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Redeem miles for flights on Delta and its various SkyTeam or non-alliance partners.

United Club Infinite Card
Redeem miles for flights on United and its various Star Alliance partners (such as Lufthansa).

Citi / AAdvantage Executive
Redeem miles for flights on American and its various Oneworld alliance partners and non-alliance partners like Etihad.

Analysis

The top three cards on this list — the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X — earned their spots thanks to the flexibility of transferable points that won’t lock you into a specific set of airlines or hotels.

Even though the Chase Sapphire Reserve has fewer transfer partners than the Amex Platinum, Sapphire Reserve cardholders can redeem points for travel directly through Chase’s portal at an elevated rate of 1.5 cents each. Meanwhile, the Amex Platinum has 20 airline and hotel transfer partners in total and varied redemption options.

The Capital One Venture X takes third place by offering 15 airline and three hotel transfer partners. While you can transfer to most programs at a 1:1 ratio, there are some exceptions: ALL Accor Live Limitless (2:1) and EVA Air Infinity MileageLands (2:1.5).

Which of these three is best for you? That will depend on your preferred transfer partners and their alignment with your travel goals.

Statement credits

Card
Statement credits

Amex Platinum

Up to $200 in airline fee statement credits.
Up to $200 in Uber Cash annually.
Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue statement credits.
Up to $200 in prepaid hotel statement credits.
Up to $240 in digital entertainment statement credits.
Up to $300 in Equinox statement credits.
Up to $155 in Walmart+ statement credit (Plus Ups are excluded.)
Up to $300 in SoulCycle statement credits.
Up to $189 Clear membership statement credit.
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (once every four years for Global Entry or every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck).

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Capital One Venture X

Up to $300 in annual travel statement credit for bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal.
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (once every four years).

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Up to $300 in travel credits each account anniversary.
Up to $10 in monthly statement credits from Gopuff purchases (through December 31, 2023).
Up to $15 in monthly statement credits from Instacart purchases.
Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee statement credit (once every four years).

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite

Up to $300 in airline incidental credits annually.
Up to $150 in lifestyle credits (such= as streaming, food delivery, fitness and ride-hailing app expenses) annually.
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (once every four years).

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve

Up to $325 in travel credits each account anniversary (dining purchases also count toward this credit).
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (once every four years).

Hilton Amex Aspire

Up to $250 in airline fee statement credits annually.
Up to $250 in Hilton resort statement credits each cardmember year.
Up to $100 in on-property credit for two-night Waldorf Astoria or Conrad stays.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Up to $300 in credit for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide (up to $25 per month).
Up to $100 in on-property credit for paid stays of two nights or more at St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton properties.
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (once every four years for Global Entry or every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck).

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (once every four years for Global Entry or every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck).

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

United Club Infinite Card

Up to $75 in statement credit as reimbursement for IHG Hotels and Resorts purchases charged to your card through Dec. 31, 2023.
Up to $10 in monthly statement credits from Gopuff purchases (through December 31, 2023).
Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee statement credit (once every four years).

Citi / AAdvantage Executive
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (once every five years).

Analysis

Amex has added a plethora of new lifestyle- and travel-focused credits to the Platinum over the past couple of years. The total value of these makes the Platinum card a winner — if you can use the benefits. They’ll offset the card’s annual fee if you use them, but the value they provide in your situation can vary.

THE POINTS GUY

The Sapphire Reserve is close behind. For starters, the $300 travel credit is higher than most competitors and applies to any travel purchase (as opposed to just fees or airfare, like some of its competition). In addition, the credit posts very quickly, while other cards require you to wait an entire statement period or even force you to call and have customer service manually issue you a credit.

The Venture X also has a $300 travel credit, though it’s more limited: It only applies to bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal. Conversely, the Altitude Reserve’s $325 credit applies to travel and dining purchases.

We should also mention the Hilton Aspire because of the potential to receive more than $500 in travel credits each year. Although the Aspire’s airline fee credit requires you to designate a single airline — and technically only applies to incidental charges like checked bags — the up-to-$250 resort credit is easy to use if you visit an eligible resort.

Lounge access

Card
Lounge access

Amex Platinum

Centurion Lounges (guests 2-17 years and over 18 years of age are charged $30 and $50 each, respectively, unless you qualified for guest privileges by spending $75,000 or more on your card during a calendar year.)
Priority Pass Select (two free guests; does not include restaurants).
Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (guests at $39 each).
Airspace lounges (two free guests or immediate family).
Escape Lounges (two free guests or immediate family).
Plaza Premium lounges (one free guest).
Select Lufthansa lounges (cardmember only).
Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges (guest policies vary).

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Capital One Venture X

Capital One Lounges (two guests, then $45 each).
Priority Pass Select (complimentary access for all guests traveling with the cardholder; does not include restaurants).
Plaza Premium lounges (two complimentary guests, then admission fees vary by lounge).
Each authorized user receives the same lounge privileges, including guest privileges.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.
Priority Pass Select (two complimentary guests; includes restaurants).

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite

Priority Pass Select membership (two free guests).
Up to three authorized users can get a Priority Pass Select membership during the life of the account.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Four Priority Pass visits per year, including a guest on each visit (does not include restaurants)

Hilton Amex Aspire
Priority Pass Select (two free guests; does not include restaurants).

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Priority Pass Select (two free guests; does not include restaurants).

Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Sky Club access when traveling on a Delta-coded or Delta-operated flight (up to two guests or immediate family are $50 each)
Cardholders receive two one-time SkyClub guest passes each year.
Access to Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta (up to two guests are $50 each or $30 for children ages 2-17).

United Club Infinite Card
Full United Club membership (two free guests or immediate family).

Citi / AAdvantage Executive

Full Admirals Club membership (two free guests or immediate family).
Each authorized user receives Admirals Club access for themselves and up to two traveling companions.

Analysis

This category is much tougher to rank, given that the value of lounge access is based on many factors — from your typical departure airport(s) and your preferred airline(s) to how frequently you travel with guests.

The Amex Platinum provides access to the most lounges for the primary account holder; if you travel with others, the value changes. You may need to pay to add authorized if you aren’t spending enough on your card to earn guest privileges.

The Venture X comes in a close second with Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Capital One Lounge access. The issuer debuted its first lounge at Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) in October 2021, and there are plans for lounges at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) in 2023, plus Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS) at an unknown date.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the broadest Priority Pass membership, allowing you to visit Priority Pass-affiliated restaurants, spas and suites — which most other cards don’t permit. Chase has plans for a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club in nine locations; the first location in Hong Kong is now open. The Sapphire Terrace in Austin is open now, also.

The three airline cards will be handiest for folks who fly one carrier regularly and can take advantage of its lounges.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Travel and purchase protections

All of these cards also provide various coverages and protections when you’re traveling or making purchases. This is probably best visualized in a table:

Benefit
Amex Platinum
Capital One Venture X†
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Hilton Amex Aspire
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Delta Reserve
United Club Infinite
Citi / AAdvantage Executive

Car rental coverage
Yes (secondary; provides coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles).*§
Yes (primary).
Yes (primary).
Yes (primary).
Yes (primary).
Yes (secondary; provides coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles).*§
Yes (secondary; provides coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles).*§
Yes (secondary; provides coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles).*§
Yes (primary).
No.

Travel emergency assistance
Yes (access to the  Premium Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day/7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Emergency medical transportation assistance and related services may be provided at no cost, but third-party services may still have costs to you.).*#
Yes (provides referrals only; you are responsible for all costs involved).
Yes (provides referrals only; you are responsible for all costs involved).
Yes (provides referrals only; you are responsible for all costs involved).
Yes (provides referrals only; you are responsible for all costs involved).
Yes (access to the  Premium Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day/7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Emergency medical transportation assistance and related services may be provided at no cost, but third-party services may still have costs to you.).*#
Yes (access to the  Premium Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day/7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Emergency medical transportation assistance and related services may be provided at no cost, but third-party services may still have costs to you.).*#
Yes (access to the  Premium Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day/7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Emergency medical transportation assistance and related services may be provided at no cost, but third-party services may still have costs to you.).*#
Yes (provides referrals only; you are responsible for all costs involved).
No.

Baggage loss or damage
Yes (Baggage Insurance Plan can cover lost, damaged or stolen baggage on a common carrier when the entire fare is paid for with your eligible card. Limits are $2,000 for checked bags and $3,000 for carry-on bags in excess of coverage provided by the carrier. There is a limit of $3,000 aggregate per covered trip. For New York state residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip).*~
Yes (up to $3,000 per covered trip; for New York state residents, coverage is up to $2,000 per bag).
Yes (up to $3,000 per passenger).
Yes (up to $3,000 per covered trip; for New York state residents, coverage is up to $2,000 per bag).
Yes (up to $3,000 per covered trip; for New York state residents, coverage is up to $2,000 per bag).
Yes (Baggage Insurance Plan can cover lost, damaged or stolen baggage on a common carrier when the entire fare is paid for with your eligible card. Limits are $2,000 for checked bags and $3,000 for carry-on bags in excess of coverage provided by the carrier. There is a limit of $3,000 aggregate per covered trip. For New York state residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip).*~
Yes (Baggage Insurance Plan can cover lost, damaged or stolen baggage on a common carrier when the entire fare is paid for with your eligible card. Limits are $2,000 for checked bags and $3,000 for carry-on bags in excess of coverage provided by the carrier. There is a limit of $3,000 aggregate per covered trip. For New York state residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip).*~
Yes (Baggage Insurance Plan can cover lost, damaged or stolen baggage on a common carrier when the entire fare is paid for with your eligible card. Limits are $500 for checked bags and $1,250 for carry-on bags in excess of coverage provided by the carrier. For New York state residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip).*~
Yes (up to $3,000 per passenger).
No.

Baggage delay
No.
No.
Yes ($100 daily for up to five days if bags are more than six hours late).
Yes (up to $100 per day for three days if bags are more than six hours late).
No.
No.
No.
No.
Yes (up to $100 per day for three days if bags are more than six hours late).
No.

Trip delay
Yes (up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed by more than six hours, capped at two claims per eligible card in 12 consecutive months).*^
Yes (up to $500 per ticket for delays of more than six hours).
Yes (up to $500 per ticket for delays of more than six hours or delays requiring an overnight stay).
Yes (up to $500 per ticket for delays of more than six hours or overnight).
Yes (up to $500 per ticket for delays of more than six hours).
Yes (up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed by more than six hours, capped at two claims per eligible card in 12 consecutive months).*^
Yes (up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed by more than six hours, capped at two claims per eligible card in 12 consecutive months).*^
Yes (up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed by more than six hours, capped at two claims per eligible card in 12 consecutive months).*^
Yes (up to $500 per ticket for delays of more than 12 hours or overnight).
No.

Trip cancellation and interruption
Yes (with a maximum benefit of $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period).*^
Yes (up to $2,000 per person).
Yes (up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip).
Yes (up to $2,000 per person).
Yes (up to $2,000 per person).
Yes (with a maximum benefit of $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period).*^
Yes (with a maximum benefit of $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period).*^
Yes (with a maximum benefit of $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period).*^
Yes (up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip).
No.

Travel accident insurance
No.
Yes (up to $1 million).
Yes (up to $1 million, plus up to $2,500 for emergency medical and dental coverage, subject to a $50 deductible).
Yes (up to $1 million).
Yes (up to $500,000).
No.
No.
No.
Yes (up to $500,000).
No.

Emergency evacuation and transportation
Yes (up to $100,000 per trip; must be coordinated by the Premium Global Assist Hotline; otherwise, you must pay for it).*#
No.
Yes (up to $100,000; must be coordinated by the benefits administrator to be covered).
Yes (up to $100,000; must be coordinated by the benefits administrator to be covered).
Yes (up to $10,000; must be coordinated by the benefits administrator to be covered and is secondary coverage).
Yes (up to $100,000 per trip; must be coordinated by the Premium Global Assist Hotline; otherwise, you must pay for it).*#
Yes (up to $100,000 per trip; must be coordinated by the Premium Global Assist Hotline; otherwise, you must pay for it).*#
Yes (up to $100,000 per trip; must be coordinated by the Premium Global Assist Hotline; otherwise, you must pay for it).*#
Yes (up to $100,000; must be coordinated by the benefits administrator to be covered).
No.

Purchase protection
Yes (for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 annually per cardmember account).*~
Yes (within 90 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account).
Yes (within 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year).
Yes (within 90 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account).
Yes (within 90 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account).
Yes (for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 annually per cardmember account).*~
Yes (for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 annually per cardmember account).*~
Yes (for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 annually per cardmember account).*~
Yes (within 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year).
No.

Extended warranty
Yes (adds an extra year to manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less; covers the actual amount charged to your eligible card, with a maximum of $10,000 per item and $50,000 annually per account).*~
Yes (additional year on warranties of three years or less; covered up to the full amount charged to your card, minus shipping and handling fees, with a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder).
Yes (additional year on warranties of three years or less; up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account).
Yes (additional year on warranties of three years or less).
Yes (additional year on warranties of three years or less; covered up to the full amount charged to your card, minis shipping and handling fees, with a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder).
Yes (adds an extra year to manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less; covers the actual amount charged to your eligible card, with a maximum of $10,000 per item and $50,000 annually per account).*~
Yes (adds an extra year to manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less; covers the actual amount charged to your eligible card, with a maximum of $10,000 per item and $50,000 annually per account).*~
Yes (adds an extra year to manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less; covers the actual amount charged to your eligible card, with a maximum of $10,000 per item and $50,000 annually per account).*~
Yes (additional year on warranties of three years or less).
No.

Return protection
Yes (covered for up to 90 days from the purchase date; American Express will refund up to the full purchase price, excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 annually per eligible card account; you must pay for the entirety of the item with your card and it must be purchased in the U.S. or its territories).*
Yes (90 days, up to $300 per item and $1,000 per year).
Yes (90 days, up to $500 per item and $1,000 per year).
No.
Yes (90 days, up to $300 per item and $1,000 per year).
Yes (covered for up to 90 days from the purchase date; American Express will refund up to the full purchase price, excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 annually per eligible card account; you must pay for the entirety of the item with your card and it must be purchased in the U.S. or its territories).*
Yes (covered for up to 90 days from the purchase date; American Express will refund up to the full purchase price, excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 annually per eligible card account; you must pay for the entirety of the item with your card and it must be purchased in the U.S. or its territories).*
Yes (covered for up to 90 days from the purchase date; American Express will refund up to the full purchase price, excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 annually per eligible card account; you must pay for the entirety of the item with your card and it must be purchased in the U.S. or its territories).*
Yes (90 days, up to $500 per item and $1,000 per year).
No.

Cellphone protection
Yes (covers phones that are damaged or stolen but does not cover cosmetic damage or lost phones; maximum coverage is $800 liability per claim, less a $50 deductible, and limited to two claims per eligible account in a 12-month period; limited to cellphone lines listed on a mobile phone plan paid for with an eligible card in the most recent billing period).*^
Yes (up to $800 per claim or $1,600 per 12-month period; a $50 deductible applies; coverage applies to theft, damage or involuntary and accidental parting of your phone when associated with a cellphone plan paid for with your card during the previous month.)
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
Yes (covers phones that are damaged or stolen but does not cover cosmetic damage or lost phones; maximum coverage is $800 liability per claim, less a $50 deductible, and limited to two claims per eligible account in a 12-month period; limited to cellphone lines listed on a mobile phone plan paid for with an eligible card in the most recent billing period).*^
No.
No.

† Benefits available on Visa Infinite cards. For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
* Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details.
^ Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
~ Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
§ Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
# If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Analysis

The Sapphire Reserve takes the cake here with its primary car rental insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and travel accident insurance. The Venture X comes in second, thanks to fairly comprehensive protections that include cellphone coverage. The Amex Platinum offers significant travel insurance coverage, but note that the rental car benefit provides secondary coverage, and there is no baggage delay coverage. If you’re a United flyer, the United Club Infinite also offers a robust slate of protections you may want to consider.

While many of these benefits look similar overall, your best bet is to examine the differences and gaps, then determine how likely those are to affect your trips.

Bottom line

You may think that it’s crazy to pay $395 or more for a card’s annual fee. As you can see, however, the best premium credit cards carry numerous benefits that can easily cover that annual fee and then some. As always, tailor your choice based on what’s most important to you. This guide should provide a framework to use as you decide which one of the best premium credit cards is a good fit for your wallet.

Official application link: Amex Platinum
Official application link: Capital One Venture X
Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Official application link: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Official application link: Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Official application link: United Club Infinite
Official application link: Citi / AAdvantage Executive

Additional reporting by Senitra Horbrook, Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon, Chris Dong, Ethan Steinberg and Ryan Smith.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, click here.

Need Help?

If you need support, please send an email to [email protected].