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.

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

At a glance

Cards compared: 6
Issuers: 4
Card types: 1 credit card with revolving option, 3 charge cards (pay in full), 2 debit cards
Networks: Visa (1), Mastercard (1), Visa or Mastercard (1), American Express (3)
No annual fee: 0 of 6; fee €118.80 to €850 per year
No foreign transaction fee: 3 of 6; otherwise 2%
With revolving credit option: 1 of 6; APR 16.72%
With travel insurance: 6 of 6
No SCHUFA check: 1 of 6

Calculated automatically from the current card data in this comparison.

Recommendations compared

N26 Metal – Exclusive stainless steel card with a free lounge visit, travel insurance and unlimited free withdrawals outside the eurozone. Score: 7.3/10 (Good) · Annual fee: €202.80 · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.0/10
Openbank BestCard Premium – Premium card with extensive insurance and 8 free withdrawals worldwide per month. Score: 7.2/10 (Good) · Annual fee: €118.80 · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.0/10
Revolut Metal – Stainless steel card with cashback on payments and partner travel insurance — Revolut's top everyday card. Score: 6.5/10 (Fair) · Annual fee: €155 · Bonus: — · Rating: 7.9/10
BMW Premium Card Carbon – Premium Amex for BMW drivers with lounge access, a comprehensive insurance package and double points around the car. Score: 5.2/10 (Adequate) · Annual fee: €500 · Bonus: 37,500 points · Rating: 5.3/10
American Express Platinum Card – Premium metal charge card with worldwide lounge access, travel insurance and yearly credits. Score: 5.1/10 (Adequate) · Annual fee: €720 · Bonus: +€340 · Rating: 5.1/10
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.

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.

Go to the calculator