Credit Card News
Luxury Card Adds Preferred Hotels & Resorts Status Perk for Cardholders
As the travel industry continues to rebound, one credit card issuer has announced a new partnership that will bring hotel benefits to cardholders. This week, Luxury Card revealed that its members can now unlock elite status with the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ I Prefer program. In turn, customers will enjoy additional perks at more than 700 independent hotels and resorts around the world.
Titanium Card members can receive Explorer tier status, which typically requires 25,000 points. Meanwhile, Black Card and Gold Card customers can earn the top-tier Elite status without needing to reach the 50,000 point minimum. However, Luxury Card members will need to contact the Luxury Card Concierge in order to upgrade their I Prefer status.
In terms of benefits, all tiers of I Prefer status include such perks as early check-in and late check-out, enhanced room upgrades when available, and more. The Explorer tier then adds a welcome amenity (which will vary by property) and 20% bonus points on eligible stays while Elite earns 50% bonus points on eligible stays, offers access to specials and experiences and adds a “food & beverage offering” along with a digital anniversary gift.
These new status benefits join Elite Card’s existing premium travel benefits. For example, the Black and Gold Cards both feature annual airline credits along with Priority Pass Select memberships for airport lounge access. Plus, cardholders can redeem their earned points for 2% value when used for airfare (compared to cashback redemption rates of 1%, 1.5%, and 2% for the Titanium, Black, and Gold cards respectively). Notably, the brand also has its own Luxury Card Travel platform available to all cardholders, offering additional perks to customers who book using the service. Of course, luxury may not come cheap as the Titanium Card carries an annual fee of $195 followed by the Black Card’s $495 annual fee and the Gold Card coming in with a $995 annual fee.
Commenting on the I Prefer perk and partnership, Luxury Card VP of Customer Experience Marina Kissam stated, “I think our travel-minded Cardmembers will appreciate the amazing properties and benefits afforded by the brand’s I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty program. Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ unique properties, exceptional amenities and high touch service enhance the entire experience.”
The addition of I Prefer status could be a valuable benefit to Luxury Card members. Yet, given the high annual fees and lack of stand-out perks overall, the Luxury Card line-up is likely not the best option for most travelers. Instead, options such as The Platinum Card from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve may be better picks for those looking for premium cards.
