5 Premium Credit Cards For the Self-Indulgent You
While the joining and annual fee might seem high, when used strategically, the benefits offered on these cards easily surpasses the cost
For those of you who crave some pampering and self-indulgence, and just can’t resist the urge of retail therapy, elevate your experience while giving your pockets some rest, with these credit cards. Premium credit cards come with prestigious offerings and benefits like global lounge access, memberships and discounts at ultra-luxury hotel chains, dining benefits, complimentary sports games, and much more.
While the joining and annual fee might seem high, when used strategically, the benefits offered on the cards easily surpasses the cost. The stringent issuance criteria and exclusivity of these cards also serve as a status symbol for card holders! Here are five premium credit cards we have uncovered for you.
HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition
This invite only credit card, provides a wide range of benefits to take care of your every need, whether you’re a frequent traveller, passionate diner, avid sportsman or chronic shopper. This offers club Marriott membership for the first year, free nights and meals at ITC hotels, Swiggy Dineout discounts, air death coverage of three crores and emergency overseas hospitalisation coverage of Rs 50 lakhs.
Cardholders receive 12,500 points annually which help offset previous year’s fees. And there is a mere two percent foreign currency mark-up to top it all off. Monetary benefits aside, the concierge services that are available 24x7 to assist with private dining, event planning, international gift delivery, VIP airport reception etc. make life a whole lot more convenient too.
American Express Platinum Card
Slightly different from your usual credit card and a lot more expensive, this is a charge card with an annual fee of Rs 60,000. Joining benefits include a Rs 45,000 voucher for an extensive hotel network including Jumeirah, Taj, Fairmont, Bvlgari Resorts and 94 other brands.
This, coupled with access to invite-only events, exclusive pre-sale tickets and upgrades to events like fashion weeks and the Grammys, elite tier hotel loyalty programme memberships etc. and higher value point redemption options more than compensate for the fee you pay. Overseas travel insurance, death insurance of up to Rs 5 crore have also been thrown in.
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
While it’s called the “Diners Club'' card this card is very well suited to those with wheels under your feet. With customised itinerary curation services at your disposal, unlimited lounge access, ticket and hotel booking benefits, cash back on holiday packages and points redeemable as air miles, this card is perfect to unleash your travel bug, guilt free.
Still remaining true to its name, this card also gives 2X Reward Points on weekend dining and comes with a complimentary annual subscription to Swiggy One. Dinner take out is incomplete if not accompanied with your favourite shows and HDFC understands that. And so an Amazon Prime membership has been thrown in too. Taj, Apple and Armani or Big Basket, Nykaa and Croma, whether you’re looking to use your card for premium experiences or functional utility, you can still collect reward points
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card
The financial benefits and point to reward conversion that come with this credit card is probably its biggest differentiator. A minimal one and half percent mark-up on international transactions, a one percent fuel surcharge waiver and credit shield of five lakhs are some important features. You receive 15,000 reward points on card activation.
Points can be redeemed across a vast array of categories from Kama Ayurveda and the Body Shop, Samsung devices, Boat and Bose earphones, Fitbits and backpacking essentials, to pharmacies and retail. Cardholders can also opt to convert the Edge Reward Points into air miles or hotel loyalty points, at a 5:2 ratio. In addition to insurance and medical coverage, this card also gives you access to health and wellness coaching services through Weijii and diagnostics at Dr. Lal Pathlabs, Metropolis and SRL Diagnostics. All this in addition to Club Mariott and ITC Cullinaire memberships.
IDFC FIrst Private Credit Card
Claimed to be designed for those looking for sophistication and social responsibility, this is IDFC’s exclusive invite-only credit card with a hefty Rs 50,000 annual fee. However, the pinch is not as heavy when you factor in that reward points worth the joining fee can be claimed in the first year itself. Some of the highlights of this card are the zero ForExmark-up, interest on cash withdrawals and over limit fees.
Travel in style with access to airport spas, limousine transfer services, special immigration lines and a menu full of ultra-luxury hotels including Fairmont, FountaineBleu, St.Regis and Pan-Pacific. Reward points never expire and can be redeemed on any online or offline transactions
While selecting a credit card keep your needs and spending habits in mind. Contact a relationship manager of a bank or financial institution to select the credit card best suited for you.
