Prestige credit card chart
By Kristin Arnold • Bankrate.com

Although prestige credit cards can offer customers the best perks, rewards and services, they come with rules consumers should be familiar with before they open accounts.

The chart below offers examples of three prestige cards, along with their average percentage rates (APRs), annual fees, target market and a list of some perks. Be mindful that both the World MasterCard and the Visa Signature credit cards have several different issuers with a variety of terms.

Consumers should carefully review terms and pricing before opening a credit card account to avoid penalty fees and interest rate hikes that occur if terms are not followed.

Prestige credit cards

Card APR Annual fee Consumers targeted Some of the perks American Express Centurion Charge card, payable in full $2,500 Wealthiest Amex platinum customers Upgrades to preferred status on four airlines; upgrades at the Ritz and Four Seasons hotels; personal concierge and travel counselor; waiver of $75 fee for premium-level rewards program; no spending limit. MasterCard World Card Varies with issuer; Chase card is 7.9% $50-$85, depending on issuer Top 3% of card base 24-hour concierge service; 5 percent cash rebates on travel and 15 percent hotel discounts with Chase card; mileage toward free flights on major airlines with no blackout dates; doubled warranties on purchases; no spending limit. Visa Signature Varies with issuer; Chase offers 0% for 6 mos., going from 13.24% to 22.24% $0-$95, depending on issuer "Affluent" consumers. In general, those who make at least $125,000 a year 24-hour concierge service; $1 million in travel accident insurance; emergency evacuation coverage; 1 point for every dollar, redeemable toward free air travel with no blackout dates; room upgrades, late checkout at the Ritz; free airport parking; no spending limit.

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-- Posted: March 17, 2006