Gold & Platinum Credit Cards 2026

Gold and platinum credit cards are for users who expect more than a payment function: extensive insurance packages, concierge services and sometimes airport lounge access. These perks usually come with a higher annual fee. The key question is therefore whether you actually use the included benefits regularly. If you travel frequently, book rental cars or value personal service, the real value can offset the fee. For occasional users, a free card with basic functions is often the more economical choice. Also check carefully which insurance benefits depend on conditions such as paying for the entire trip with the card.

Who is it for?

For frequent travellers and demanding users for whom added benefits like insurance, service and comfort justify the fee.

What to look out for

• Check the scope of benefits against the annual fee
• Lounge access: read the conditions carefully (often only via partner programmes)
• Insurance cover and its scope
• Compare welcome bonus and ongoing benefits

Recommendations compared

1. N26 Go – N26 travel card with insurance and unlimited free withdrawals worldwide for under €10/month. Score: 7.7/10 (Good) · Annual fee: 118,8 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 7.9/10
2. N26 Metal – Exclusive stainless steel card with a free lounge visit, travel insurance and unlimited free withdrawals. Score: 7.3/10 (Good) · Annual fee: 202,8 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.0/10
3. Santander BestCard Premium – Premium card with extensive insurance and fee-free worldwide withdrawals. Score: 7.3/10 (Good) · Annual fee: 118,8 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.0/10
4. Revolut Premium – Unlimited foreign currency transactions without surcharge plus a travel insurance package for under €9/month. Score: 6.9/10 (Fair) · Annual fee: 89 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 7.8/10
5. Revolut Metal – Stainless steel card with cashback on payments and partner travel insurance — Revolut's top everyday card. Score: 6.9/10 (Fair) · Annual fee: 155 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 7.9/10
6. American Express Business Platinum Card – Premium business card with lounge access and top services. Score: 6.4/10 (Fair) · Annual fee: 850 € · Bonus: 200,000 points · Rating: 8.7/10

All information without guarantee (continuously updated). Conditions may change – the provider's details are always decisive. No affiliate links.

Related guides: Credit card with travel insurance: what's really covered · How secure are credit cards?

Frequently asked questions

Is a gold or platinum credit card worth it?

It depends on your usage. If you regularly use the included insurance, services and possibly lounge access, the higher annual fee can pay off.

Is lounge access always included?

Not automatically. Lounge access varies by card – sometimes included, sometimes via paid partner programmes. We only flag lounge access where it is documented.

Which card suits you best?

Use your personal usage profile to calculate the real annual cost of every card.