| Card |
APR |
Annual fee |
Target market |
Some of the perks |
| American
Express Centurion |
Prime plus 5.9%
|
$1,000
|
1% of Amex platinum customers
|
Upgrades to the Concorde;
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 9.9%
|
$50-$75, depending on issuer; Chase card is $75
|
Top 1% to 3% of card base
|
24-hour concierge service;
5% cash rebates on travel and 15% 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; First USA offers 6.9% for 6 mos., going
to prime plus 8.65%
|
$49-$85, depending on issuer; Merrill Lynch charges $75
|
Those who make at least $100,000 a year; holders of Merrill
Lynch Cash Management Accounts
|
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. |
-- Posted: Dec. 13, 1999
