Top-tier credit cards are increasingly offering exclusive “lifestyle” perks, such as access to VIP events, credits for luxury hotels and high-end fitness centers, even memberships to elite medical practices with same-day appointments. If you live in a bustling city with affiliated merchants and major airports, it’s easy to envision how you could take advantage of these benefits.
I used to embody this persona — a city-dwelling young professional with disposable income. I relied on food delivery services, ride-sharing apps, and luxury gym classes. I jetted off frequently from the trio of airports near me that provided direct flights to various destinations around the globe.
But then I relocated to a mid-sized city, and everything changed. I seldom use ride-sharing services, I work out at home, and my local airport only offers direct flights within the country. I still carry a premium travel card, but only because I can just about break even with its annual fee.
“It’s like joining an exclusive club without physically joining one,” says Vann Graves, executive director of the Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. “Even if you’re not constantly traveling, you have the capability to do so because of this card.”
Look beyond the hype and crunch the numbers
Luxury credit cards are aesthetically pleasing. They are metallic and sometimes come in exclusive colors and finishes. They also have substantial weight, impressing cashiers and servers. Every time a high-end credit card leaves your wallet, it sends a message. “For $795 or $895, it says, ‘You’re deserving,’” Graves explains.
Focus on specific perks and disregard the rest
For example, Jay Thompson exclusively flies with one airline. The nearest airport to him is in Corpus Christi, Texas, where options are limited, and he always has layovers within the state. Preferring layovers in Dallas, he remains loyal to American Airlines and holds their premium consumer credit card, paying over $700 annually for his and his wife’s cards.
Unlike Thompson, I am not committed to a single airline, but the annual travel and dining credits alone on my card provide value with minimal effort on my part. (And like Thompson, I appreciate a quality airport lounge.)
Utilize the perks when traveling
Perks that may be challenging to use at home can be more accessible in a major city, so consider how you can leverage them when you travel. Utilizing ride-sharing services and receiving a discount with your card’s credit might be more cost-effective and convenient than renting a car, for instance.
While my dining credit only applies to one restaurant in my area, I have upcoming trips to New York and Chicago, allowing me to use the credit for special experiences.