They offer a wide selection of add-ons and a healthy credit limit. But theirs is a club not everyone can -- or should -- belong to. Issuing banks usually require gold and platinum cardholders to meet higher standards of income and creditworthiness standards than those required by regular cards. The cards sometimes have higher interest rates and typically charge an annual fee. Only make a commitment to a gold or platinum card if you feel the perks it offers are of real value to you.
Typical value-added services of gold and platinum cards include:
Reward points or cash rebates on the net purchases charged to your card
Auto-rental collision/loss-damage insurance
Purchase security and extended warranty protection
Emergency travel-assistance services
Travel accident insurance
No-fee travellers' cheques
Consumers
Students
