[UPDATE: Some offers mentioned below have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace. DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]
People like receiving perks. Credit card issuers know this, and they offer all sorts of gifts and benefits to attract new customers in an extremely competitive credit card marketplace.
Whenever you’re shopping for a credit card, you should thoroughly read the terms and conditions to make sure you’re comfortable with the terms. Your credit score will impact the interest rate you’re approved for, and you can check your credit scores for free on Credit.com to see where you stand. The rewards credit cards that offer some of the most valuable freebies also carry an annual fee, so be sure you can handle that yearly hit to your budget and that the rewards you earn balance out that fee.
Among cardholder’s favorite perks are free travel services such as checked bags, in-flight Wi-Fi and even free breakfast at hotels. And even when you are not traveling, there are cards that offer gifts of everything from luxury goods to free rounds of golf. So here are eight cards that offer some valuable and fun freebies, just for holding the card.
1. Citi Prestige
Citi is competing in the premium travel rewards market by showering cardholders with all sorts of benefits. For example, cardholders receive an annual $250 Air Travel Credit good for airfares, baggage fees and some in-flight purchases, and are credited for the $100 application fee for the Global Entry program. Cardholders also enjoy access to the American Airlines Admiral’s Club business lounge network. And finally, cardholders can receive three complimentary rounds of golf each year at more than 2,000 public and private golf courses around the world. There is a $450 annual fee for this card.
2. The Visa Black Card From Barclaycard
This card is all about freebies, as cardholders are promised to regularly receive luxury gifts from “some of the world’s top brands.” In addition, cardholders receive special treatment at select hotels and resorts including spa treatments, room upgrades and free breakfast. There is a $495 annual fee for this card.
3. Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card
This card offers all cardholders Gold status in Hilton’s HHonors program. This means that cardholders receive perks such as priority check-in, late check-outs, room upgrades and even free breakfast when staying at Hilton properties. Other benefits include a fifth night free on four-night hotel stays, and two complimentary bottles of water with each stay. There is a $95 annual fee for this card.
4. Delta SkyMiles Gold Card From American Express
Since nobody likes paying checked baggage fees, this card offers a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight other companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit alone can be worth hundreds of dollars for a single, roundtrip flight, since Delta normally charges $25 each way for a traveler’s first checked bag within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and much of the Caribbean. Other perks include priority boarding and discounted access to Delta’s SkyClub business lounges.
5. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card From Chase
With this card, guests at Ritz-Carlton properties receive three complimentary upgrades to their Club Level each year. Once at the Club Level, guests can indulge in five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily, such as hot breakfasts, sandwiches for lunch, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Cardholders also receive a $300 annual travel credit toward expenses such as baggage fees, Global Entry fees, seat upgrades and airport lounge access. There is a $395 annual fee for this card.
6. Discover it Miles
This card is offering 1.5 miles per dollar spent, and miles can be redeemed for one cent each as statement credits toward travel expenses. Finally, Discover is also doubling the miles earned by new cardholders in their first year. There is no annual fee for this card.
7. The L.L. Bean Visa From Barclaycard
This specialty retailer offers some interesting benefits to holders of its co-branded credit card. Cardholders can order a free monogram on their clothing purchases, and receive free return shipping if they are not satisfied with their purchases. Finally, cardholders regularly receive access to exclusive sales and special offers. There is no annual fee for this card.
8. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard
Cardholders receive their first checked bag for free for themselves and up to four other traveling companions. Other benefits include priority boarding, a 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases. There is a $99 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year.
At publishing time, the Citi Prestige, Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card, Delta SkyMiles Gold Card From American Express, Discover it Miles, Visa Black Card and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select MasterCard are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for this card. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
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