Diners Club International, a banking and payment services company owned by Discover Financial Services, revolutionized the way people pay for dining and travel expenses with the introduction of the world’s first multipurpose charge card – the Diners Club Card. With a focus on supporting global dining and entertainment, Diners Club aims to provide exclusive benefits to its cardholders, known as “Clubmembers.” In this article, we will explore how to obtain a Diners Club Card, the types of cards available, and the exceptional perks that come with being a Clubmember.
Getting a Diners Club Card
Currently, applications for consumer Diners Club cards in the U.S. are closed. However, corporate cards are still available, and individuals can inquire if their employer is a member of the Diners Club Corporate Card program. Existing Diners Club cardholders can continue using their cards without any issues.
Types of Diners Club Cards
When applications were last open for Diners Club credit cards, two types of consumer cards were available: the Diners Club Card Premier and the Diners Club Card Elite.
Diners Club Card Premier
The Diners Club Card Premier had a $95 annual fee and offered numerous benefits. Cardholders enjoyed 24/7 access to a Personal Assistant, who helped with reservations for golf, dinner, and other activities. Additionally, they gained membership to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, making travel more comfortable and enjoyable. For every dollar spent on eligible purchases, Premier cardholders earned 1 Club Reward point. This card had no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for frequent international travelers.
Diners Club Card Elite
The Diners Club Card Elite provided all the benefits of the Premier card, plus some exclusive advantages. With a $300 annual fee, Elite cardholders earned 3 Club Reward points per dollar spent at grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. All other eligible purchases earned 1 point per dollar spent. Furthermore, Elite cardholders enjoyed additional benefits such as travel accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance when booking a trip using their card.
Club Rewards and Additional Benefits
Club Rewards points, earned through eligible purchases, can be transferred to airline rewards programs or redeemed for custom travel benefits and more. While the availability of specific cards and benefits may change, it’s worth noting that Diners Club continually evaluates and updates its offerings. Keep an eye out for updates in case applications for consumer cards open up again.
The Benefits of Being a Diners Club Cardholder
Diners Club cardholders, or Clubmembers, gain access to exclusive benefits at select restaurants, golf clubs, and other service-industry merchants. The partnership between Diners Club and over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide makes having a Diners Club Card particularly valuable for frequent travelers. However, if you are unable to obtain a Diners Club Card or are looking for alternative credit card options, there are still plenty of choices available.
Find the Best Credit Cards for 2023
No single credit card suits every family, purchase, or budget. To help you navigate through the multitude of options, we have curated a list of the best credit cards for various needs. Whether you’re looking for lounge access or cash rewards, our comprehensive list will assist you in finding the perfect credit card for your specific requirements.
Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access
If access to airport lounges is a priority for you, consider exploring credit cards that offer this exclusive benefit. These cards often provide additional perks such as travel insurance and concierge services. Look for cards that align with your travel patterns and offer rewards that suit your lifestyle.
Best Cash Back Cards
For those who prefer cash rewards, several credit cards offer generous cash back programs. These cards typically provide a percentage of cash back on eligible purchases, allowing you to earn money while you spend. Whether you’re looking for flat-rate cash back or increased rewards in specific spending categories, our list of the best cash back cards for 2023 has you covered.
Conclusion
While applications for consumer Diners Club Cards are currently closed in the U.S., travelers have other credit card options that offer excellent travel rewards and benefits. The unique perks and exclusive access provided by Diners Club make it an attractive choice for frequent travelers, but it’s important to explore alternative credit cards that suit your specific needs. Keep an eye out for updates on Diners Club card applications, and in the meantime, consider our curated list of the best credit cards for 2023 to find the perfect card for you.