Looking for the right premium credit card? In our comprehensive credit card comparison, we present the best cards with that special extra in a clear overview, including all advantages, disadvantages, and user experiences!
American Express Platinum Card
- Promotion: 85.000 points welcome bonus
- 150 euros in restaurant credit
- 200 euros in travel credit
- 200 euros in Sixt Ride credit
- Free lounge access with guest
- The best insurance package in Germany
Barclays Platinum Double
- Promotion: 50 euro starting credit
- Free cash withdrawals worldwide
- Free payments worldwide
- Extensive insurance coverage
- Free Platinum partner cards
N26 Metal
- 16,90 Euro per Month
- Exclusive metal Mastercard debit card
- Free cash withdrawals abroad
- Smartphone insurance up to 2000 Euro
American Express Rosé Gold Card
- Promotion: 20.000 welcome bonus points
- SIXT credit: €180 SIXT Plus & €50 Rent
- Credit: 80 euro Lodenfrey & 50 euro Freenow
- Collect points with every euro spent
- Full insurance protection included
Eurowings Kreditkarte Premium
- 3.000 welcome miles
- No annual fee in the first year
- Free cash withdrawals and payments abroad
- Earn Miles & More miles
In addition to credit cards and giro cards, more and more banks in Germany are now offering so-called debit cards. These combine immediate debiting from your current account with the advantages of a credit card, making them a kind of hybrid between a credit card and a giro card. They can be used easily for online payments as well as for transactions abroad, which is why debit cards are also included in our credit card comparisons.
Credit cards in Germany can basically be divided into three main categories. On the one hand, there are the free credit cards, which, as the name already says, stand out because of the lack of an annual fee. Also to be distinguished are the credit cards for collecting miles, which make it possible to collect miles or points with every payment.
The third type of credit cards can be called premium credit cards, because these usually come with an annual fee, but offer some benefits that justify this designation in the name.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- The best premium credit cards compared
- What is the difference between a premium and a free credit card?
- Gold, Platinum, and Black Card – what’s the difference?
- What do business premium credit cards offer?
- Who benefits from premium credit card insurance?
- What premium services do credit cards offer?
- What about the fees of premium credit cards?
- Who benefits from premium credit cards?
- Which is the best premium credit card for traveling?
- Our conclusion on choosing the right premium credit card for traveling
In this guide, we want to show why these cards are so attractive and why the benefits of such a card can outweigh the costs many times over.
Premium and free credit cards differ in many aspects. A premium credit card offers, among other things, additional benefits and exclusive services, such as travel insurance, access to airport lounges, and rewards programs.
These cards are often associated with higher annual fees but offer a significantly larger range of benefits. Cashback credit cards are also often considered premium credit cards.
There are significant differences between premium and free credit cards. In contrast, free credit cards are simpler cards without many additional benefits. They are suitable for anyone who mainly wants a payment method and does not need extensive extras. Free credit cards generally have no annual fees, making them a cost-effective option.
However, the choice between premium and free credit cards always depends on your individual needs and usage habits. Credit cards with an interest-free payment period also offer some flexibility and can help you avoid fees.
Tip: It can be worthwhile to combine a premium credit card with a free credit card. For example, if you have a card for collecting miles that charges a foreign transaction fee and a card without a foreign transaction fee, you should use the fee-free card abroad. For all other euro transactions, you can use the miles card to collect miles and points.
But what exactly can premium credit cards offer? Below, we take a look at the most common additional benefits of premium credit cards.
Gold, Platinum, and Black Card – what’s the difference?
In the realm of premium credit cards, the labels Gold, Platinum, and Black Card are widespread and familiar. However, it should be noted that these labels do not always precisely reflect the specific benefits of the credit cards and do not apply universally to all cards.
It is important to understand that the advantages of a credit card are not necessarily linked to its color or name.
For example, not all Mastercard Gold cards offer the same advantages, as these depend on the individual features of each specific credit card.
Some gold credit cards, such as the TF Bank Mastercard Gold, are free of charge, while other gold credit cards, like the Amex Gold, charge a monthly fee.
Although the Gebührenfrei Mastercard Gold and the Commerzbank Gold Credit Card are both classified under the Mastercard Gold category, there are still significant differences in the benefits and terms offered. A direct comparison between the two cards is therefore rather challenging.
It is, unfortunately, true that many credit card issuers use colors and names to emphasize a certain exclusivity. However, you should not assume that all cards of a particular color are on a comparable level.
A clear example of this is the black credit card from Commerzbank, which is hardly comparable to the Amex Platinum Card or the American Express Centurion Card.
The latter offers significantly superior benefits, but also comes with higher costs. While the colors can give a rough impression of a credit card’s prestige, for exact details it is essential to look at the specific benefits offered by each credit card.
If you are an entrepreneur or self-employed, business premium credit cards may also be of interest. In addition to the usual benefits of premium credit cards, business premium cards often include additional useful tools for business management and expenses.
Attractive additional benefits
For example, the American Express® Business Platinum offers, in addition to the usual benefits, features such as the Amex Expense Tool. This is a tool from American Express that allows you to easily upload and manage documents such as receipts. The program also includes an interface to Datev.
American Express Business Platinum Card
- Promotion: 200.000 welcome bonus points
- 1.440 euro credit with partners
- Free lounge access with guest
- Extended payment term of 58 days
- Upgrades, status, breakfast, and more at hotels
Revolut Business Mastercard
- Free physical and virtual cards
- Easy international transfers
- For startups, freelancers, and businesses
- Up to 3 physical and 200 virtual cards possible
- Various account models to choose from
FINOM Business Visa Debitkarte
- Up to 3 percent cashback on all card transactions
- Free physical and virtual cards available
- Free digital business account with German IBAN within 48 hours
- All-in-one: banking, invoicing, and accounting
American Express Business Gold Card
- Promotion: 75.000 points welcome bonus
- SIXT credit: €180 SIXT Plus & €50 Rent
- Credit: €80 Lodenfrey & €50 Freenow
- Collect points with every euro spent
- Comprehensive travel insurance included
Vivid Business Visa
- Free Vivid Visa Card
- Includes free credit cards for all employees
- Free business account – no annual fee
- No SCHUFA check
- Interest on all deposits
Free supplementary cards
In addition, business premium credit cards often offer many free supplementary cards that can be used, for example, by employees. This allows business expenses to be managed conveniently under one account. As with most private premium credit cards, business variants also allow you to collect miles and points.
Bonus programs
For example, the Membership Rewards® program also applies to American Express business cards. This means you can collect miles or points with your business expenses and, thanks to flat-rate taxation, redeem them for private purposes as well.
Note on Flat-Rate Taxation: When points are collected using a company credit card, they belong to the business and are recorded as income. If you want to redeem these points for private purposes, they must be taxed as a private withdrawal since they are considered a monetary benefit. Because a specific monetary value is not clearly defined, taxation can be quite complex. This is where flat-rate taxation comes into play: American Express handles the flat-rate taxation of business-earned points. Membership Rewards points are automatically taxed by American Express, which means you can use the points as a private individual without restrictions.
Premium credit cards are not only defined by their numerous benefits but often offer comprehensive insurance coverage that is invaluable for travelers. These specialized cards frequently include travel insurance, such as trip cancellation insurance, international travel health insurance, and baggage insurance.
The particularly convenient aspect is that you do not need to arrange multiple separate insurance policies. The credit card itself already includes all necessary coverage. More details on the most important travel insurance options can be found in our travel insurance guide.
It is important to note that the insurance only applies if the booking was made using the insured credit card. Exceptions include the American Express Business Platinum Card and the Barclays Platinum Double — in these cases, the insurance applies even if the card was not used as a payment method.
Frequent travelers
Frequent travelers especially benefit from travel insurance when they travel often or for extended periods. Unforeseen events such as illness, accidents, or trip cancellations can always occur and may result in significant financial burdens. Comprehensive travel insurance covers not only medical costs abroad but also potential cancellation fees or lost luggage, ensuring that your trip is fully protected.
Families
Travel insurance also provides reliable protection for families traveling together. Children, in particular, are often more susceptible to illnesses, and in the event of an accident, costs can be covered by the credit card’s travel insurance. It is important, however, to ensure that all family members are covered by the credit card.
Sports travelers
Travel insurance can also be very important for sports travelers. Sports activities abroad are extremely popular but always carry certain risks, whether skiing, diving, or other adventure sports.
Travel insurance can cover accidents and injuries that occur during such activities and ensures that you receive proper care in case of an emergency, without incurring high costs.
The most important travel insurances are already included for you with the more affordable premium credit cards, such as the American Express® Gold Card or the Barclays Platinum Double. Naturally, the high-end premium credit cards also offer extensive insurance benefits.
Premium credit cards stand for premium service—that much is clear. But which premium services can you expect from which credit card? While almost all premium credit cards offer a comprehensive insurance package, the service benefits of the special credit cards differ more.
Lounge access at airports
An attractive feature of many premium credit cards is access to exclusive airport lounges. This access provides cardholders with a place to relax away from the hectic airport bustle. Through lounge access via Priority Pass, you have the opportunity to wait in comfortable lounges with a pleasant atmosphere.
Here, not only are comfortable seating options available, but often also complimentary food, drinks, and even showers. Lounge access makes the travel experience significantly more enjoyable and is a valued benefit for frequent travelers. Lounge access is, for example, part of the credit card benefits of the Amex Platinum, the Amex Centurion Card, or the Deutsche Bank Mastercard Platinum.
American Express Platinum Card
- 200 Euro travel credit per year for flights, hotels and more
- 200 Euro SIXT Ride credit per year
- Up to 200 Euro discount & Priority benefits for Condor flight bookings
- Exclusive metal credit card
- Collect valuable points with each turnover
- Free platinum partner card with all benefits included
- Best insurance package in Germany
- Free lounge access with a guest at 1.550 lounges worldwide
- Upgrades, breakfast and more status benefits in hotels
Status benefits with partners
Additionally, some credit cards offer direct memberships in loyalty programs of hotel chains and car rental companies, including status benefits. Here, too, with the Amex Platinum you directly receive SIXT Platinum status as well as Hilton Honors Gold status.
By the way, the Hilton Gold status is also available with the Hilton credit card, which comes with a significantly lower monthly fee.
Loyalty programs and earning miles
Some premium credit cards offer exclusive access to loyalty programs. One of the most prominent examples is the American Express Membership Rewards® program. This allows you to collect points with every euro spent, which can be redeemed flexibly for travel, purchases, or other rewards.
Another significant loyalty program is the Miles & More miles program, which is offered in connection with Miles & More credit cards. Here, you collect miles from flights and from your card spending, which can later be used for free flights or upgrades.
Concierge service
Another exclusive benefit is the included concierge service. This exclusive service provides you with personalized assistance and support in various areas. The concierge service can help with organizing restaurant reservations, booking tickets for concerts or theater performances, as well as many other requests.
This additional convenience further sets premium credit cards apart from standard credit cards and provides a tailored service for the high annual fee.
The fee structure of premium credit cards is complex. Unlike free credit cards, these come with an annual fee in exchange for certain additional benefits such as insurance, exclusive service, and other amenities.
Unfortunately, in addition to the annual fee, premium credit cards may also incur other costs. Usually, there are two main fees: foreign currency fees and cash withdrawal fees.
Premium credit cards, such as the Commerzbank Premium Credit Card or the Barclays Platinum Double, do not charge foreign currency or withdrawal fees, whereas cards from American Express charge comparatively higher fees for these services.
However, there are also free credit cards that do not charge such fees. Whether foreign currency or withdrawal fees are applied is therefore quite individual.
It can therefore be worthwhile, especially with American Express credit cards, not to use them abroad, but instead to use a free credit card without foreign transaction fees for overseas use.
The decision between a premium or a free credit card depends largely on your individual needs and preferences. Premium credit cards, which come with annual fees, are particularly suitable for anyone who values exclusive additional services and security while traveling.
As a cardholder, you benefit from insurance, lounge access, and other perks, while at the same time earning points through bonus programs such as American Express Membership Rewards or the Miles & More frequent flyer program.
On the other hand, free credit cards are ideal for those who mainly want a reliable payment method without paying annual fees. For students and occasional users who want to travel as cost-effectively as possible, free credit cards can be a suitable option.
Overall, the choice between premium and free credit cards largely depends on your individual needs and personal usage habits.
When choosing the optimal credit card for your travels, it often depends on which aspects are most important to you. However, here are some models that should definitely be considered:
- American Express Platinum Card
- Hanseatic Bank Gold Card
- Barclays Platinum Double
- Eurowings Premium Credit Card
The Amex Gold Card is deliberately not included, as it is primarily intended for collecting miles. While the card also offers travel-related benefits such as insurance, these come with high fees for withdrawals and payments. In combination, there are simply better options.
This consideration applies to all American Express cards except the Platinum Card, which, although it also has high foreign transaction and withdrawal fees, can still be interesting due to its significantly better insurance package and additional travel benefits.
The Amex Platinum is the ideal companion if airport lounge access provides you with significant added value and you want a comprehensive insurance package for your travels.
Also noteworthy is the business version of the card, which provides all insurance coverage even without using the card. As an additional highlight, the card offers a worldwide concierge service as well as various status benefits with hotel chains and car rental providers.
American Express Platinum Card
- 200 Euro travel credit per year for flights, hotels and more
- 200 Euro SIXT Ride credit per year
- Up to 200 Euro discount & Priority benefits for Condor flight bookings
- Exclusive metal credit card
- Collect valuable points with each turnover
- Free platinum partner card with all benefits included
- Best insurance package in Germany
- Free lounge access with a guest at 1.550 lounges worldwide
- Upgrades, breakfast and more status benefits in hotels
The Barclays Platinum Double is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a credit card with comprehensive insurance coverage while using another card for collecting miles. Platinum Double not only provides essential insurance, free payments, and withdrawals, but also a unique advantage: insurance coverage even without using the card.
Barclays Platinum Double
Promotion: 50 euro starting bonus
- Free cash withdrawals worldwide
- Free transactions worldwide
- Free platinum partner card
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Worldwide health insurance
- Rental car insurance
The Eurowings Premium Credit Card is an ideal complement to the Amex Platinum and is particularly attractive for miles enthusiasts. This credit card not only offsets some of the Amex Platinum’s drawbacks, such as foreign transaction and withdrawal fees, but also allows you to collect Miles & More miles.
Eurowings Premium credit card
- Free credit card in the first year
- Free cash withdrawals and payments abroad
- Benefits with Eurowings (e.g., Fast Lane, seat reservation)
- Umfangreiche Versicherungen
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
- Earn Miles & More miles
Overall, premium credit cards offer a variety of exclusive benefits such as lounge access, comprehensive insurance, and concierge services, which can be particularly valuable for frequent travelers. However, these cards usually come with annual fees. Choosing a premium credit card should therefore be a well-considered decision and depends heavily on your individual needs.
In contrast, free credit cards are better suited for those who want a simple payment method without requiring additional services or insurance. Free cards are fee-free and provide an easy way to make payments without worrying about annual costs.
Ultimately, the choice between premium and free credit cards should be based on your personal financial habits and travel needs. Generally, we would recommend keeping another card in your wallet in addition to a premium credit card, as there is no strict limit on how many credit cards you can have.
American Express Platinum Card
- Promotion: 85.000 points welcome bonus
- 150 euros in restaurant credit
- 200 euros in travel credit
- 200 euros in Sixt Ride credit
- Free lounge access with guest
- The best insurance package in Germany
Barclays Platinum Double
- Promotion: 50 euro starting credit
- Free cash withdrawals worldwide
- Free payments worldwide
- Extensive insurance coverage
- Free Platinum partner cards
N26 Metal
- 16,90 Euro per Month
- Exclusive metal Mastercard debit card
- Free cash withdrawals abroad
- Smartphone insurance up to 2000 Euro
American Express Rosé Gold Card
- Promotion: 20.000 welcome bonus points
- SIXT credit: €180 SIXT Plus & €50 Rent
- Credit: 80 euro Lodenfrey & 50 euro Freenow
- Collect points with every euro spent
- Full insurance protection included
Eurowings Kreditkarte Premium
- 3.000 welcome miles
- No annual fee in the first year
- Free cash withdrawals and payments abroad
- Earn Miles & More miles
