Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The 10 Best Rewards Credit Cards for High-spend & Large Purchases [2023]

Stephen Au's image
Stephen Au

Stephen Au

Senior Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 24U.S. States Visited: 22

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 39U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
& Kellie Jez

Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

We’re all familiar with the concept that if you spend more on a rewards-earning credit card, you’ll earn more rewards.

While it’s a simple concept, if you can generate big spending on a credit card, you may be able to catapult your benefits to a higher level than just the normal rewards earned for spending.

Many credit cards have spending thresholds that trigger benefits far beyond regular earnings.

We’re not talking about exclusive high-net-worth or invitation-only credit cards here either — we’re looking at hotel, airline, and premium travel credit cards that most consumers with excellent credit can qualify for.

It may seem like only those who can spend big will reap rewards — but you don’t need to be a high roller or big business owner to earn these extra bonuses. With that said, you may need a high-limit credit card to meet some of these spending levels.

Let’s take a look at just what level of spending is required, and whether you might be sitting on the edge of greater rewards!

What To Look For in a Credit Card for High-spend and Large Purchases

You generally can’t have high spending without having a high credit limit.

High-limit credit cards are generally considered those credit cards with limits greater than $10,000. You’ll need an excellent credit score and sufficient income to qualify for a card with a credit limit greater than $10,000.

You won’t know upfront what your credit limit will be when you apply for a card, but you’ll want it to be sufficient to allow you to match your anticipated spending levels and in turn, earn the associated rewards.

Hitting credit card spending thresholds can earn a variety of elevated reward levels, including the following:

  • Free hotel nights
  • Hotel loyalty program elite status
  • Companion airline tickets
  • Bonus frequent flyer miles
  • Mileage/dollars toward airline elite status
  • Bonus rewards points
  • Generous welcome bonuses

Premium credit cards and business credit cards generally do have greater credit limits, thus allowing you to keep credit utilizing percentages in check.

Hot Tip: When you’re approved for a new credit card, make sure the credit limit is sufficient for your upcoming spending. It is possible to move credit limits between credit cards of the same issuer or ask for an increase due to a large upcoming purchase for example. To increase credit limits on existing credit cards, check out our suggestions for American Express and Chase cards. 

The 5 Best Personal Cards for High-spend and Large Purchases

Card Summary

CardWelcome Bonus and Annual FeeBenefits for High-spend and Large Purchases
The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
  • Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)
  • 5x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or with Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
  • No preset spending limit
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
  • Earn 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 additional points by earning 2x in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1x, on up to $15,000 spent.
  • Annual fee of $95
  • A second Free Night Award, valid at Category 1 to 4 properties, when you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year (your first Free Night Award is earned after each cardmember anniversary)
  • Spend your way to top-tier Globalist status by earning 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
  • Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $149
  • Spend your way to the Companion Pass (requires 125,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every calendar year)
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
  • Earn 75,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $95
  • Earn a Travel Together Ticket good for 2 years when you make $30,000 in purchases every calendar year
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
  • Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Annual fee of $550
  • After you spend $30,000 in purchases per calendar year, you’ll get 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), up to 4 times per calendar year, to help you get closer to elite status
  • Complimentary domestic round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal or your card, including first class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin

1. The Amex Platinum Card (Best for Travel, Elite Status, Lounge Access)

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Our favorite card for high spending and large purchases is, without a doubt, the Amex Platinum card. One of the most iconic items in your wallet, this epic hunk of metal offers superb rewards, luxury travel benefits, and potentially, some of the highest spending power available.

Routinely paired with a 6-figure welcome bonus, the Amex Platinum card earns a whopping 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year. In addition, prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel also earn 5x points per dollar spent.

The Amex Platinum card is famous for having no preset spending limit, which means you can confidently make large purchases beyond what a normal credit card limit can facilitate.

In addition, cardholders will enjoy some of the best luxury travel perks you can get:

As you can imagine, the benefits on this card actually pay for the annual fee in spades, and that’s not even taking into account the extra $240 digital entertainment credit (up to $20 monthly), $300 Equinox credit, and $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit (2 credits of up to $50 semi-annually).

Remember, this fantastic card has no foreign transaction fees (rates and fees) and comes with purchase protection, extended warranty, and so much more.

Why We Like Earning Amex Membership Rewards Points

It’s probably not a secret that American Express Membership Rewards is one of the most valuable points currencies out there. According to our valuations, they’re pegged at 2.2 cents each, which could make your return on spending equal to around 11%!

Additionally, there are many Amex transfer partners, which enables you to get even more value from your rewards by booking luxury award travel.

If that’s not your jam, you can redeem your points at a lower value for cash-back, statement credits, merchandise, gift cards, charitable donations, and travel bookings through Amex Travel.

2. The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Best for Free Hotel Nights, Elite Status)

Our second-favorite credit card is the World of Hyatt card, which is fantastic for high spenders and large purchases. We think this card is great for these types of transactions and individuals because you can theoretically spend your way to top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist status thanks to this card.

Although the welcome bonus is still very nice and you can earn up to 9 total points per dollar spent, the key benefit for big spenders is that you’ll earn 2 qualifying elite night credits towards World of Hyatt elite status every time you spend $5,000 on your card, with no limit.

Because this card offers 5 elite night credits just by holding it and Globalist requires a total of 60 elite night credits to qualify, you’ll achieve Globalist status from this card if you spend at least $137,500 per year (assuming you don’t book any Hyatt stays the whole year).

And the cherry on top is that you’ll get 1 free night at any Category 1-4 property after every cardmember anniversary year, plus 1 extra free night at a Category 1-4 property if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year.

The World of Hyatt card’s other benefits aren’t anything to sneeze at, either, because you can earn up to 9 total World of Hyatt points per dollar spent (4 points per dollar on purchases at all Hyatt hotels and 5 points from Hyatt per eligible dollar spent for being a World of Hyatt member). Here’s how it’s broken out:

  • 4 points per $1 spent at all Hyatt hotels
  • 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, on local transit and commuting, and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Lastly, enjoy automatic Discoverist status, a DoorDash DashPass subscription, purchase protection, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and no additional annual fees for authorized users.

Bottom Line: Many hotel-branded credit cards offer a free night certificate for renewing your credit card, or offer enough bonus points to redeem for a free night. This free night alone can almost always offset any annual fee.

Why We Like Earning World of Hyatt Points

World of Hyatt points are widely considered to be the most valuable hotel points in the business. And while some exceptions exist, we’re able to consistently get better value on hotel bookings than our valuations of 1.5 cents per point would indicate. So, earning 4x points would be equivalent to a return on spending of 6%.

Indeed, if you earmark those valuable points for stays at luxury or sweet spot properties, you can get a fantastic return on spending beyond our valuations!

3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (Best for Companion Tickets)

The Southwest Priority card, issued by Chase, is the premium Southwest co-branded credit card, and it’s one that’s worth paying attention to. To kick off your relationship, you can earn a welcome bonus after meeting an introductory spending requirement.

But the reason why this credit card makes so much sense for big spenders is that it allows you to spend your way to Southwest’s famous Companion Pass.

Specifically, if you earn 125,000 Companion Pass qualifying points (usually equivalent to $125,000 in credit card purchases), you’ll earn the Companion Pass, which allows you to choose 1 person to fly with you on the same flight for just taxes and fees.

Hot Tip: You can change the companion up to 3 times every calendar year and allow up to 21 business days for processing.

Plus, the Southwest Priority card allows you to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for every $10,000 spent per calendar year towards A-list status with no limits on the TQPs you can earn.

On the rewards front, you’ll earn up to 3x Rapid Rewards points:

  • 3x points on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and on internet, cable, phone service, and select streaming
  • 1x points on all other purchases

If you fly Southwest, you’ll enjoy 25% back on inflight purchases, 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, and a cardmember anniversary bonus of 7,500 points every year.

All the standard benefits apply, including no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, extended warranty, and fee-free authorized user cards.

Why We Like Earning Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

Southwest Rapid Rewards points, by our valuations, are worth around 1.4 cents each. The value of these points is much easier to ascertain because these are known as fixed-value points.

So by earning up to 2x points per dollar spent, you’ll get a return on spending of around 2.8%.

Regardless of where you’re flying, your Rapid Rewards points will be redeemed for around 1.3 to 1.5 cents each. In addition, you can redeem those points in some unique ways!

4. British Airways Visa Signature® Card (Best for Companion Tickets)

One of the single, most-valuable perks you can get with a credit card is a British Airways Travel Together Ticket, which is attainable with the British Airways Visa card, issued by Chase.

The Travel Together Ticket essentially allows you to get a companion ticket on British Airways award travel, even in first class, for just the taxes and fees (with some exclusions).

If you spend $30,000 in a calendar year on the British Airways Visa card, you’ll get a Travel Together Ticket, which is good for 2 years. Eligible tickets must originate and return to the U.S., though you can call in and book a one-way flight, forfeiting the return segment if you can’t find return availability.

This single, valuable perk could potentially be worth more than $10,000, especially considering how expensive British Airways first class tickets between the U.S. and Europe can be.

In addition, the British Airways Visa card currently boasts an elevated earnings structure of up to 5 Avios per dollar spent within the first 18 months of card opening:

  • 5x Avios on flight purchases made directly with British Airways (thereafter, earn 3x Avios)
  • 3x Avios on accommodations booked directly with the hotel (thereafter, earn 2x Avios)
  • 1x Avios on all other purchases

This credit card also has some awesome other benefits like a 10% off British Airways discount, a reward flight statement credit to offset taxes and fees (up to $600 per year), no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fees for authorized users.

Of course, purchase protection and extended warranty are included, too.

Why We Like Earning British Airways Avios

We value British Airways Avios at 1.25 cents each, which translates to a return on spending of around 7.5% when earning up to 5x Avios per dollar spent.

And while it’s true that British Airways Avios have been devalued over the past several years, it’s still easy to get outsized value if you redeem those Avios for international business and first class travel.

In addition, you can even get great value from British Airways Avios from short-haul flights in the U.S. if you choose to fly on American Airlines.

5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Best for Companion Tickets, Bonus Miles, Elite Status)

The Delta Reserve card could potentially benefit you in a tremendous way if you’re a large spender and frequently fly on Delta.

Taking a look at the card, you’ll first notice an awesome welcome bonus — but what’s really special about the Delta Reserve card is that you can access Status Boost, which earns you 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) every time you spend $30,000 in purchases in a calendar year. You can use this perk up to 4 times, making it possible to earn up to 60,000 Medallion Qualification Miles from credit card spending alone.

And when you make at least $25,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you’ll receive a waiver of the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) requirement for Delta elite status. The exception is Diamond status, which requires a total of $250,000 in purchases within a calendar year to get an MQD waiver.

These 2 benefits are huge because you can get nearly halfway to top-tier Diamond status with just credit card spending (Diamond requires 125,000 MQMs).

And when you’re traveling on a same-day Delta flight, you can enjoy complimentary access to Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs. You’ll receive 2 Delta Sky Club 1-time guest passes every year to let friends and family access the lounges with you, too.

Every cardmember anniversary year, you’ll get a companion certificate, which is good for a domestic first class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip flight.

And this is on top of the 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on other purchases.

It doesn’t end there because you’ll get your first checked bag free, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $100, 20% back on eligible Delta inflight purchases, travel insurance, and purchase protection.

There are no foreign transaction fees with this card, as well as fee-free authorized user cards (rates and fees).

Why We Like Earning Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles is one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the U.S. since it’s associated with Delta Air Lines, one of the largest airlines available.

Unfortunately, SkyMiles has been devalued many times over the years, rendering SkyMiles worth about 1.2 cents each, according to our valuations.

However, if you find yourself looking to book international flights on partners such as Air France or KLM, it’s possible to actually get several times more value than 1.2 cents per point.

The 5 Best Business Credit Cards for High-spend and Large Purchases

Card Summary

CardWelcome Bonus and Annual FeeBenefits for High-spend and Large Purchases
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • OUR BEST OFFER: Earn 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)
  • 1.5x points in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million in these purchases per calendar year
  • 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges
  • No preset spending limit
American Express® Business Gold Card
  • Earn 70,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $295 (rates and fees)
  • 4x points on the top 2 business categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle
  • No preset spending limit
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $199
  • 4x points on Hyatt stays
  • 2x points on the 3 categories you spend the most in each calendar quarter through December 31, 2023 (drops to your top 2 categories after) in eligible categories
  • Spend your way to top-tier Globalist status by earning 5 elite night credits for every $10,000 spent on the card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $199
  • Spend your way to the Companion Pass (requires 125,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every calendar year)
  • 4x points on Southwest purchases, 3x points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
  • Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $550 (rates and fees)
  • After you spend $30,000 in purchases per calendar year, you’ll get 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), up to 4 times per calendar year, to help you get closer to elite status
  • Complimentary domestic round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal or your card, including first class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin
  • 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases
  • 1.5x SkyMiles on eligible purchases for the rest of the year after you spend $150,000 on your card in a calendar year

1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Best for Travel, Earning Elite Status)

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

This probably doesn’t come as a major surprise, but our favorite business card for high spenders and large purchases is the Amex Business Platinum card. Currently, it offers a whopping welcome bonus, plus the ability to earn 5x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel.

But there are 2 major reasons why high spenders, in particular, would love this card. The first is that this card is known for having some of the largest spending power out there, thanks to the no preset spending limit perk.

The second reason is that you’ll get 1.5x points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more with a cap of $2 million in these purchases every calendar year.

So if you find yourself making large purchases frequently, you can use this card to do so with confidence thanks to no preset spending limit and that nifty large purchase bonus.

Enjoy other perks like access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, Fine Hotels & Resorts, a 35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1 million points rebated per calendar year), and hotel and car rental elite status.

Business owners will surely enjoy the slew of statement credits, including an airline fee credit of up to $200, up to $400 Dell credit, $189 CLEAR Plus credit, up to $360 Indeed credit, up to $150 Adobe credit, and up to $120 wireless credit.

To round out the perks, the Amex Business Platinum card has purchase protection, extended warranty, no foreign transaction fees (rates and fees), travel insurance, and cell phone protection.

2. American Express® Business Gold Card (Best For Earning Points)

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 110,000 points with the Amex Business Gold card! The current public offer is 70,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Although the Amex Business Platinum card is one of the best business cards for luxury travel available, we also really love the Amex Business Gold card, which also comes with an enticing welcome bonus.

The ideal cardholder is focused more on rewards than luxury travel benefits — you’ll earn 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent in the top 2 categories from a list of 6 where your business spends the most each month:

  • Airfare purchased from airlines
  • U.S. purchases for advertising in select media
  • U.S. purchases made from select technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants
  • U.S. purchases for shipping

The cap is $150,000 per calendar year, after which the 4x points drops to 1x points. So if you are a big spender, you’ll enjoy industry-standard rewards on up to $150,000 every year.

With this card, you’ll also get purchase protection, extended warranty, and basic travel insurance.

There are no foreign transaction fees with the Amex Business Gold card, and you can add up to 99 total employee cards for no annual fee after the first employee card fee of $50 (see rates and fees).

3. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (Best for Earning Elite Status)

The World of Hyatt Business card is the business counterpart of the World of Hyatt card above, and it has similar benefits. Although the earning structure and welcome bonus might be different, you’ll still be able to spend your way to Globalist status.

Actually, this particular card earns elite night credits from credit card spending faster than the World of Hyatt card. Even though you won’t get 5 elite night credits just for holding World of Hyatt Business card, you’ll qualify for Globalist status with less credit card spending thanks to the ability to earn 5 elite night credits for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year on the card.

That means if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll get the 60 elite night credits after spending a total of $120,000 in a calendar year. In contrast, the World of Hyatt card requires spending $137,500 in a calendar year to earn Globalist status by itself.

As far as earning rewards goes, you can earn up to 9 total points per dollar on purchases:

  • 4x bonus points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays (plus 5 base points per dollar spent on eligible Hyatt purchases)
  • 2x points per dollar spent at fitness clubs and on gym memberships
  • 2x points per dollar spent on the 3 categories where you spend the most (terms apply) in each calendar quarter through December 31, 2023 (2 categories after that)
  • 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases

This card confers automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status and the ability to gift Discoverist status to up to 5 employees. There’s a $100 annual Hyatt credit (2 $50 statement credits), access to the Hyatt Leverage program, a 10% rebate on points redeemed after spending $50,000 in a calendar year (up to 20,000 points rebated every year), and travel insurance.

The World of Hyatt Business card has no foreign transaction fees or any additional annual fees for employee cards.

4. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (Best for Earning Companion Tickets)

If your business depends on flying Southwest frequently, you’ll love the Southwest Performance Business card, which is the most premium variant of all Southwest cards.

Currently, it has a huge welcome bonus and the ability to earn lots of Rapid Rewards points — but remember, the biggest benefit for high spenders is the ability to earn the Companion Pass, which is available on this card after you earn 125,000 Companion Pass qualifying points.

Of course, you can earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) towards A-list status for every $10,000 spent (no limits).

Beyond that, there’s the maximum 4x points structure:

  • 4x Rapid Rewards points on Southwest purchases
  • 3x Rapid Rewards points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
  • 2x Rapid Rewards points on social media and search engine advertising, rideshares, and internet, cable, and phone services
  • 1x Rapid Rewards points on all other purchases

As if this expansive earning structure wasn’t attractive enough, you’ll enjoy all of these fantastic Southwest perks:

  • 9,000 Rapid Rewards points every year on your cardmember anniversary
  • 4 Upgraded Boardings per year (when available)
  • $500 fee credit per year for points transfers
  • $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • Up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits every year

To close out on this card, expect purchase protection, extended warranty, baggage insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and employee cards at no additional cost.

5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Best for Earning Companion Tickets, Bonus Miles, Elite Status)

The very last card we’ll mention in this guide is the Delta Reserve Business card, which has a limited-time welcome bonus that will surely add to the value proposition.

Big spenders love this card because you can utilize the Status Boost perk to get 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in purchases within a calendar year. Even better, you can do this up to 4 times per calendar year. Remember, if you spend $25,000 or more in a calendar year on this card, you’ll get an MQD waiver (except for Diamond status, which requires $250,000 in spending).

These 2 perks make getting access to top-tier Delta SkyMiles much easier if you’re a big spender. And while you’re spending, expect to earn up to 3x SkyMiles per dollar spent:

  • 3x SkyMiles on all eligible Delta purchases
  • 1.5x SkyMiles after you spend $150,000 on your card in a calendar year
  • 1x SkyMiles on other purchases

Here are some other Delta-specific benefits you’ll also get with this card:

  • Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying on a same-day Delta flight (plus per-visit rates of $50 per person for up to 2 guests on the same reservation)
  • Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner when you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta Reserve Business card
  • 2 1-time guest passes to Delta Sky Clubs
  • A domestic first class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate every year after your cardmember anniversary
  • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding
  • Your first checked bag for free

There’s also an up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees (rates and fees), purchase protection, extended warranty, and even cell phone protection!

Final Thoughts

If you have a business with large cash flow or spend a considerable amount personally, you’ll want to consider high limit or high spend credit cards that deliver the most value for your largest expenditures — and it may not be a hotel- or airline-branded credit card.

Directing major spending to achieve these bonuses shouldn’t be done without analyzing any lost opportunity cost either. For example, you may have cash-back credit cards with bonus categories earning 2% to 6% cash-back that would deliver greater value for some expenses.

You may also have rewards-earning credit cards that earn flexible rewards, which can be redeemed for a greater return on your dollars spent.

The best return for credit card spending, on a per-dollar basis, usually happens when you qualify for the initial welcome bonus after being approved for a credit card.

Since it’s possible to receive, for example, over 100,000 hotel points for spending a few thousand dollars in the first 3 months after card approval, it makes sense to include welcome bonuses in your credit card decision process.

Bottom Line: Unless you’re already spending large amounts on your credit card, striving for the additional big spend bonuses is hardly worth it. However, you should be aware of any available spending bonuses on your cards so that you don’t miss out by coming up short.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. 

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the cell phone protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of the American Express® Business Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. 

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the cell phone protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.

We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

4 comments

Haley

December 03, 2018

I’ve heard JetBlue also has a really nice credit card.

Christine Krzyszton

December 03, 2018

Hi Haley! Yes, we mentioned just the two JetBlue credit cards because of their high-spend bonuses but there is also a no annual fee JetBlue credit card issued by Barclays that does not have a high-spend bonus. Thanks for your comment.

Tom

April 03, 2020

This article is basically an advertisement for travel industry cards. If you are truly a high-spend individual, then get the Alliant card and be done as it is 2.5% cash back on everything. That pays you enough in cash for any perk provided by these cards. If you don’t spend more than $20K/yr, then the Citi 2.0% is better. Alliant has a $100/yr fee.

Christine Krzyszton

April 04, 2020

Hi Tom. We are definitely focusing on travel rewards here but for some, cash-back may be a preference. We’ve written several articles on cash-back cards. Here’s one example: /credit-cards/cash-back-credit-cards/ Thank you for reading!

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!

Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

DMCA.com Protection Status