Visa Platinum benefits
A Visa Platinum card is a step up from regular Visa cards, with perks that range from more rewards points to luxury hotel stays and 24/7 concierge services.
Key takeaways
- Every Visa credit card offers global acceptance and security features. But Visa Platinum cards offer you even more premium perks and benefits.
- You can earn points on your spending, get travel discounts and Visa's Concierge Service.
- Platinum cards usually have higher annual fees, so make sure you get enough value from the perks to justify the costs.
What benefits can I get with a Visa Platinum credit card?
Visa itself doesn't issue credit cards. It provides the electronic payment network that underpins Visa credit cards. And there are platinum cards issued by Mastercard and American Express too.
All this is to say that the perks and benefits of any platinum card depend on the bank or card company issuing it rather than Visa.
Visa Platinum benefits
- 24/7 concierge services. Access the Visa Concierge Service with a phone call or email at any time of day (or night) to get help booking restaurants, flights or concert tickets. Sometimes, the concierge can even get you special discounts or upgrades on the booking. A credit card concierge can also help with other requests, such as planning events, buying flowers for someone, or sourcing other gifts and items on your must-have list. You can access this service via the Visa Concierge app or by phone on 1800 639 607.
- Visa Offers + Perks. All Visa cards have access to Visa Offers + Perks, but some are exclusively available for Platinum and other premium Visa credit cards. Offers vary but could include premium golf perks, car rental upgrades, online shopping discounts or complimentary gifts.
- Visa Luxury Hotel Collection. Some Australian-issued Visa Platinum cards (and all Infinite and Signature cards) let you book accommodation through visaluxuryhotels.com and get access to exclusive benefits including a best-rate guarantee, room upgrades, complimentary continental breakfasts and VIP guest status.
- Global Customer Assistance. Whether you’re at home or out trotting the globe, Global Customer Assistance provides 24/7 support in case you lose your card and need a card replacement or emergency cash.
Other platinum credit card perks
As well as perks available directly through Visa, some of the other perks you'll find on platinum credit cards include:
- More rewards potential. Platinum rewards and frequent flyer credit cards have bigger bonus points offers and earn more points per $1 compared to their basic counterparts.
- Airport lounge access. Some platinum Visa credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge invitations or global lounge access through Qantas, Virgin Australia or a lounge partner such as Priority Pass or LoungeKey.
- Complimentary travel insurance. This ranges from comprehensive cover for overseas trips to interstate flight or hotel cover, transit accident insurance and car rental excess insurance.
- Complimentary purchase insurance. Purchase cover can include purchase protection insurance against loss, theft or accidental damage, smartphone insurance, extended warranty cover and price guarantee schemes for eligible items you buy with your card.
Do all Visa Platinum credit cards have travel insurance?
Of the 26 Visa Platinum credit cards in Finder's database all but 2 of them offer complimentary travel insurance.
It's worth looking closely at the level of insurance cover your credit card offers. You might find the insurance is identical across most of a bank's cards.
But some banks give you different cover based on your card. ANZ offers a separate insurance policy for its Platinum and Black Visa cards.
Westpac (which issues Mastercard credit cards) divides its cards into Level 1 and Level 2 cards. You get up to 6 months' cover with Level 1 cards and 3 months' cover with Level 2. Confusingly, some Platinum cards are Level 1 and some are Level 2.
Our expert says: Visa? Platinum? Focus on what really matters
"Cards on the Visa network have some pretty cool perks, especially at the Platinum level or above. But I wouldn't choose a credit card just because it's a Visa card or has Platinum in the name. You always have to look at the card itself and the points, features and rewards you get. And balance this against the annual fee."
What else do I need to think about when looking at Visa Platinum credit cards?
The benefits, rewards and privileges you can get with a Visa Platinum card are only really worth it if they offer you more value than what you pay for the card. So, make sure you also look at the following features:
- Rewards. If you're looking at rewards cards, think about what type of points you'll earn and the ways you can redeem them to decide whether you'll get value out of the program.
- Interest rates. Platinum cards generally charge higher interest rates than regular cards. So, if you don't pay off your balance by the due date on each statement, these costs could quickly add up.
- Annual fee. This is also usually higher among premium cards, which means the perks will only be worth it if you think you will realistically use them every 12 months.
- Eligibility criteria. A platinum credit card may require a higher minimum income than regular cards. The minimum credit limit is often higher too. Platinum cards aren't really for people who are low earners unfortunately.
Want to see more cards? You can compare a wider range of platinum cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express options.
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Do I have to apply for travel insurance or is it automatic. Do I need additional travel insurance – travelling to France.
Hi Mary. If you check the terms and conditions of your complimentary travel insurance (found online) – there will be a section outlining eligibility or activation of cover, this is where you will find the things you need to do in order to be covered. If you follow these criterion, the cover is automatic. Thanks.
where do we get details of travel insurance contract and how do we apply once the tickets are bought?
Hi Bob. Thanks for your question. According to their website: ‘Platinum Travel Accident Insurance. When you travel, take total peace of mind with you. Simply pay for your fares with Visa Platinum or Visa Signature card and you’ll receive AU$500,000 in travel accident insurance for you, your spouse and any dependent children. This benefit is provided by your card issuer.’ I can’t find much information about this card; however, you should have the terms and conditions for the insurance policy set out in your credit contract — sent out to you with the card. Generally speaking you don’t need to apply for the insurance, rather, it’s automatic when you meet the eligibility requirement (set out in the contact). Thanks.