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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
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When you select a credit card that carries the Visa logo, you know the card will have wide acceptance throughout the world. And while acceptance is important, you’ll also enjoy access to a Visa benefits package that comes with being a cardholder.
Today, we’re going to look closely at those benefits, specifically focusing on the highest tier level of Visa benefits, Visa Infinite.
We’ll also share some excellent examples of Visa Infinite cards, break down the benefits you can expect to receive, and suggest some alternative options for cards that shine at striking a balance between the annual fee and benefits offered.
Before we talk about Visa Infinite, let’s look at how the levels of Visa benefits work, and where you might find the associated benefits.
Visa Benefit Levels
While our primary focus today is on Visa Infinite benefits, there are actually several levels of Visa benefits. The foundation of Visa network benefits is the Traditional Visa benefit level. Visa Signature benefits are next and are a step above Traditional Visa benefits. The highest level, which we’ll cover shortly, is Visa Infinite.
Traditional Visa benefits include basic features such as emergency card replacement, emergency cash, zero liability, lost or stolen card reporting, ID navigator, card inquiry services, and roadside dispatch.
Both Visa Signature and Visa Infinite levels include these benefits plus much more. Let’s look at what Visa Signature entails and which cards may include these benefits.
Visa Signature Benefits
May Be Found on These Cards
Rental car insurance (secondary or primary, depending on the card)
Bottom Line: There are 3 levels of Visa benefits — Traditional Visa, Visa Signature, and Visa Infinite. While some benefits are duplicated in more than 1 level, you may find enhancements or broader coverage with a higher benefit level. For example, you may receive car rental insurance on a Traditional Visa card that is secondary while on a Visa Infinite card, this coverage may be primary.
Visa Benefits vs. Card Issuer Benefits
In addition to Traditional Visa benefits, Visa Signature, and Visa Infinite benefits, a card issuer will choose to add its own level of benefits. An example of this is the Visa Infinite Global Entry statement credit. A card issuer may add the choice of receiving reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck fee, too.
The collection of Visa benefits is simply a menu from which the card issuer can select what it wishes to include on any given card. You could receive a combination of any level of Visa benefits plus any additional card issuer benefits.
This combining of benefits allows a card issuer to build a unique benefits package for each card in order to fit its target market.
The Top 11 Visa Infinite Benefits
We’ll cover some examples of the best Visa Infinite cards shortly and dive deeper into the benefit details. However, first, let’s look at some of the top Visa Infinite benefits you can expect to find on Visa Infinite cards, not necessarily in the order of value (which can vary depending on the cardholder).
3 free years of Shipt (enroll by December 31, 2024)
Airline incidentals statement credit
Extended warranty, purchase security, and return protection
Travel and Emergency Assistance Services — Receive assistance 24/7 when traveling to obtain medical/legal referrals, translation services, help to arrange emergency transportation, and more. Cardholders are responsible for the actual services received.
Bottom Line: Not every Visa Infinite card will have all of the available Visa Infinite benefits. Most cards will have a combination of Traditional Visa benefits, Visa Signature benefits, and Visa Infinite benefits. The card issuer will select which Visa benefits it wants to include on a specific card and then add its own card-issuer benefits.
The 4 Best Visa Infinite Cards
There are not many choices when it comes to Visa Infinite cards, but we have some fine examples. Here are just a few that are representative of what you can expect from a Visa Infinite card:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the best examples of a Visa Infinite card as it checks nearly every box when it comes to Visa Infinite benefits. You’ll start with a credit limit of $10,000 or higher and then you’ll enjoy a long list of benefits and protections.
We like that the card earns well on travel purchases via the Chase travel portal but also offers 3x earnings on dining and travel purchases outside the portal. At redemption time, you’ll be able to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for 1.5 cents each towards travel via the portal or transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners for even greater potential value.
Reserve and pay for your rental car with your card, decline the rental agency’s collision or loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW) coverage, and receive coverage for theft, damage, and loss of use. You receive primary coverage which means that you do not have to file a claim with any other applicable insurance first.
Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
Book your hotel room directly via Visa Infinite Hotels and receive a long list of exclusive cardholder on-property benefits:
$25 food or beverage credit per stay
An additional room, spa, food/beverage, or golf credit (up to $100); varies by property
Complimentary continental breakfast for you and 1 guest
Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi
Late checkout when requested, if available
Upgraded room on arrival when available
VIP Guest services and amenities that differ by property
Hot Tip: You can also use your Chase Sapphire Reserve card to book through a similarly named program called The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to receive extra benefits at over 1,000 hotels, resorts, lodges, and spas worldwide.
Worldwide Lounge Access via Priority Pass Select Membership
With over 1,300 locations, Priority Pass offers cardholders access to airport lounges, restaurant experiences, and Minute Suites throughout the world.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Statement Credit
Charge your Global Entry application or renewal fee to your card and receive a statement credit. You could alternatively choose to receive reimbursement for a TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee. The maximum reimbursement is up to $100 every 4 years.
$300 Travel Statement Credit
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card goes a step beyond the more restrictive Visa Infinite benefit for an airline incidentals statement credit and offers the statement credit for travel purchases. Chase also has a broad definition of what constitutes a travel purchase, so the credit is easy to utilize.
Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and Trip Delay
Receive up to $10,000 per trip per person, $20,000 per incident, up to a maximum of $40,000 per 12-month period for covered events. If your trip is delayed more than 6 hours, or overnight, you could receive up to $100 per day, up to a maximum of 5 days ($500).
Once again, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers coverage beyond the Visa Infinite lost baggage benefit. Baggage insurance on the card offers up to $3,000 per person, per trip, for lost or stolen luggage, and up to $500 for baggage that is delayed 6 hours or more.
Roadside Dispatch
The Visa Infinite roadside dispatch benefit offers roadside assistance for 1 low pre-determined flat fee. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card does not charge a fee for roadside assistance for up to 4 service calls each year. There is a maximum $50 benefit per service call.
Shopping Protections
Eligible items purchased with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card receive the following protection coverages:
Extended Warranty — Manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less are extended 1 additional year. There is a maximum of $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account.
Purchase Protection — Theft, damage, and accidental parting are covered on eligible items for 120 days from the purchase date, up to $10,000 per item, $50,000 per account.
Return Protection — If the merchant will not accept a return within 90 days of the purchase date, you could receive up to $500 per item, up to $1,000 per year.
Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the best examples of a Visa Infinite card as it offers all of the top Visa Infinite benefits plus several additional benefits and protections.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Another premium travel rewards card market is the Capital One Venture X card, also a Visa Infinite card. In addition to a generous welcome bonus, you’ll enjoy elevated earnings on Capital One Travel purchases, travel statement credits, premium travel benefits, and more.
You’ll be earning well on select Capital One Travel purchases and the card earns a flat 2x miles on every other purchase you make. You also have the option to use your miles to purchase travel via Capital One Travel or transfer miles to airline and hotel partners where it is possible to receive even greater value.
Here are some of the best additional features and benefits of the Capital One Venture X card:
The UBS Visa Infinite card is designed for high-net-worth individuals and is available via a UBS financial advisor.
We would need to write an entire article to begin to cover all of the benefits you’d find on the UBS Visa Infinite card as the Guide to Benefits alone is 120 pages in length. We won’t overwhelm you with details, but we will offer this summary of the long list of benefits you’ll find on the card:
Emergency evacuation, transportation, and repatriation of remains
Primary car rental insurance
Roadside dispatch (up to 4 $50 service calls each year)
Travel accident insurance
Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage
Shopping Benefits and Protections
Event ticket protection
Price protection
Purchase security
Return protection
Warranty manager service
The UBS Visa Infinite card has a $495 annual fee but comes with other tangible benefits such as a flexible rewards program, unlimited ATM fee waivers of up to $10 each, and no foreign transaction fees.
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card is available to U.S. Bank customers. The card comes with a $400 annual fee but offers a considerable collection of benefits.
Here is a summary of the benefits you’ll find on the card:
12 single-use in-flight Wi-Fi passes
Emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement up to $100
Hotel benefits at Relais & Chateaux and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection properties
Lost luggage reimbursement
Primary car rental insurance
Purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty
Audi on demand benefits and discounts
Travel accident insurance
Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage
Up to $325 in statement credits for travel and dining purchases
Visa Infinite Concierge
Worldwide lounge access via Priority Pass Select membership
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card offers a generous welcome bonus worth up to $750 in travel, 5x earnings on qualifying prepaid travel via the U.S. Bank travel center, and 3x points on mobile wallet purchases.
We’ve listed a summary of key benefits, but you can access a complete list with terms and conditions in the card’s Guide to Benefits.
4 Great Alternatives to a Visa Infinite Card
While a Visa Infinite card may be packed with premium benefits, you’ll generally pay a higher annual fee to receive those benefits. If you’ll use most of those benefits, the fee is normally offset and then some. However, there are Visa Signature cards that may offer a lower annual fee with enough benefits to justify strong consideration over Visa Infinite cards.
Let’s look at a few cards that offer a nice balance of benefits with a lower annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
One of our favorite cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a jumpstart to your earnings with an excellent welcome bonus. The card earns flexible, and therefore valuable, Ultimate Rewards points that are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via the Chase travel portal or potentially even greater value when transferred to airline/hotel partners. In addition, the card comes with 10% annual bonus points and a $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase travel portal.
We also like that the card charges just a $95 annual fee yet comes with travel insurance benefits such as primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay coverage. You’ll also find shopping protections such as purchase protection and extended warranty. Cardmembers will also get access to perks such as complimentary breakfast, activities and spa credits, room upgrades, and late check-in/checkout when booking through Chase’s The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you’re looking for simplicity in a rewards-earning card, the Capital One Venture card could be a match. You’ll earn unlimited double miles on every purchase you make, have your choice of flexible redemption options, and enjoy a collection of useful benefits.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
One of our favorite business rewards cards, the Ink Business Preferred card is an earning powerhouse. A generous welcome bonus, bonus category earnings on select business purchases, and the opportunity to redeem points for 25% greater value or transfer to travel partners for even greater potential value make this card a winner for businesses of any size.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
With no annual fee, a generous welcome bonus, and up to 5% cash-back on common business purchases, the Ink Business Cash card could be a fit for any business. And since you’re not paying an annual fee, benefits such as primary car rental insurance (for business use in your country of residence), travel insurance, and purchase protection can be useful additions.
While Visa Infinite benefits are great, they have no value unless you can use them. The best Visa level card for you will have a benefits package that provides bottom-line value to you personally.
Plus, benefits aren’t the only factor to consider when determining the best card for your situation. You’ll want to be sure your particular spending mix is earning the highest rewards possible and the card has a redemption option that fits your objectives. Finally, you’ll want to be comfortable with the annual fee you’ll be paying compared to the level of benefits you’ll use.
If you’ll use enough of the Visa Infinite benefits, you can certainly justify the higher annual fee you may have to pay. However, Visa Signature cards may be more widely available and still offer a competitive benefits package, rewards-earning potential, and likely a lower annual fee.
The information regarding the UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card and U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Visa Infinite benefits are some of the best available. If you will use these benefits such as lounge access, statement credits, access to luxury hotel programs, and roadside assistance, you could receive value far beyond any annual fee you’ll pay.
Visa Infinite cards all have similar benefits, so the best card for you will be the one that offers the most useful benefits for your situation. It may be more important, however, that the rewards structure matches your spending mix, that you can redeem rewards for things for which you find value, and that the annual fee is one you’re willing to pay.
Having said that, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and Capital One Venture X card are some of the best examples of Visa Infinite cards, though there are others to consider.
While there is no stated maximum limit, Visa Infinite cards are issued with a credit limit of at least $10,000.
You will generally need an excellent credit score to be approved for a Visa Infinite card. According to the credit rating agency Equifax, an excellent credit score is one that is 800 or above.
In addition to an excellent credit score, some financial institutions that issue Visa Infinite cards may require you to be a customer.
Visa Infinite cards include benefits that may not be offered on Visa Signature cards. These additional benefits can include worldwide lounge access via Priority Pass Select membership, airline incidental fee reimbursement, and a higher credit limit.
Visa Infinite cards may also come with some of the same benefits that are offered on Visa Signature cards but have higher coverage limits or broader coverage definitions than the Visa Signature card.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
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.
2 comments
Kafka
August 19, 2021
Under “Visa Level Benefits,” your link to the Luxury Collection is to Marriott’s Luxury Collection. Guessing that’s a typo.
2 comments
Kafka
August 19, 2021
Under “Visa Level Benefits,” your link to the Luxury Collection is to Marriott’s Luxury Collection. Guessing that’s a typo.
Christine Krzyszton
August 19, 2021
Hi Kafka. Thanks for taking the time to point that out. We’ll get it corrected.
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