3 credit cards rich people carry that almost anyone can apply for

• Wealthy people use premium cards to fast-track their way to luxurious experiences and top benefits.
• Many of the best credit cards are available to people like you and me if you meet the requirements.
• You’ll typically need excellent credit and a steady income to qualify.

American Express cards have long been favored by the wealthy. Amex historically charges merchants higher transaction fees compared to other card issuers, leading many retailers to refuse Amex payments (and lower-income households to be denied for Amex cards).

While Amex cards have become more widely accepted over the years, they still have an exclusive aura that’s partially based on reality. According to early-2020s statistics from American Express, Amex Platinum Cardholders have an average household income of around $474,000 a year and boast a net worth of around $4.3 million.

But you don’t need to earn or own millions to get this card or others like it. You’ll typically need excellent credit to qualify and must be able to show a consistent history of stable income. Most premium cards also come with expensive annual fees, although the value of their included benefits can make the cost well worth it to you.

Amex Platinum Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most recognizable cards worldwide. It’s made of metal, lending a distinctive heft to any cardholder’s wallet, and makes a satisfying “clink” when you drop it on top of the bill in a fancy restaurant.

Among its many benefits, the Amex Platinum Card unlocks complimentary access to hundreds of premium airport lounges worldwide, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounge network. Terms apply.

Cardholders can also rely on the famous Amex concierge service to help them snag coveted dining reservations, tickets to shows and sports events, and accomplish other exclusive tasks.

You’ll need a separate category in your budget for this card’s whopping annual fee of $695 (rates and fees). But the Amex Platinum Card offers many statement credits worth more than a thousand dollars in products and services each year, assuming you can use them.

These annual credits include up to $200 on certain hotels booked through American Express Travel, up to $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue, up to $200 back on select airline fees, and credits for certain streaming subscriptions and Equinox fitness memberships (some credits require enrollment and terms apply). All of these benefits add up quickly to make the Amex Platinum worth it for loyal cardholders.

Delta Reserve Card

Delta Air Lines is popular with U.S. travelers for offering a top-tier flight experience even in economy class. Wealthy flyers who can afford to book business class on every flight can quickly earn their way to elite status and access to Delta Sky Clubs, the airline’s proprietary network of airport lounges.

If you don’t fly often enough with Delta to earn elite status, adding the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to your wallet can simulate the luxurious experience for a fraction of the cost and time spent midair.

Cardholders who can swing the $650 annual fee get automatic access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta, as long as they’re not in basic economy (rates and fees). Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Cardholders get up to 15 Sky Club visits a year — unless you spend $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year, which unlocks unlimited Sky Club access for the following year. Terms apply.

Better yet, travelers who buy Delta flights with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card get complimentary access to Amex Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges as well on the day of travel.

Cardholders also get a 15% discount when booking flights on Delta SkyMiles, and are eligible for complimentary seat upgrades when available. Finally, they receive an annual Delta companion certificate for select flights within the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Pro tip: Consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
or the United Club℠ Infinite Card if you value airline lounge access but prefer American Airlines or United. Both of these premium credit cards offer access to the airline’s proprietary lounge network worldwide, although neither card offers Amex Centurion lounge access like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card does.

Hilton Aspire Card

Nothing says luxury like getting upgraded to a hotel’s penthouse suite — an experience you may be able to enjoy for yourself if you have one of the best hotel credit cards around: the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
.

This premium credit card confers a slew of exclusive benefits that help soften the blow of its expensive $550 annual fee. Hilton Honors Aspire cardholders get a free night certificate each year on their card anniversary, valid at almost any Hilton hotel worldwide including five-star properties like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives.

If you get the Hilton Honors Aspire, it comes with complimentary Diamond status — the hotel chain’s highest tier of elite status. Hilton Diamond elite members get automatic room upgrades when available, exclusive lounge access in hotels that offer this amenity, premium WiFi, early check-in and late checkout privileges when available, and free breakfast or a daily food or beverage credit, depending on what the property offers.

These benefits, and several others that come with this card, are worth thousands of dollars a year in luxury experiences and upgrades if you travel enough to justify the Hilton Honors Aspire’s annual fee.