Diners Club International, owned by Discover Financial Services, is a renowned banking and payment services company. It introduced the world’s first multipurpose charge card, the Diners Club Card, which revolutionized the way people paid for dining and travel expenses. With a goal to facilitate global dining and entertainment experiences, Diners Club offers exclusive partnerships and benefits to its cardholders, known as “Clubmembers.” If you are a frequent traveler seeking to maximize your privileges at select restaurants, golf clubs, and entertainment venues, a Diners Club card might be worth considering. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of Diners Club cards, the benefits they offer, and how to obtain one.
How to Get a Diners Club Card
At present, applications for consumer Diners Club cards in the U.S. are closed. However, corporate cards are still available, provided that your employer is a member of the Diners Club Corporate Card program. If you are an existing Diners Club cardholder, rest assured that your card remains active and can be used without any issues.
Types of Diners Club Cards
When applications were last open for Diners Club credit cards, there were two types available for consumers:
Diners Club Card Premier
The Diners Club Card Premier required a $95 annual fee and did not charge foreign transaction fees. Cardholders enjoyed a range of benefits, including:
- 24/7 Personal Assistant service for assistance with reservations, such as golf tee times and dinner bookings.
- Membership to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.
- Earned 1 Club Reward point per dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Diners Club Card Elite
The Diners Club Card Elite had a higher annual fee of $300 but offered all the benefits of the Premier card. Additionally, Elite cardholders received:
- Earned 3 Club Reward points per dollar spent at grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations.
- Earned 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Travel accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance when the card is used to book a trip.
It is important to note that the availability of cards and benefits may change, particularly if Diners Club reopens its applications.
Club Rewards Points and Benefits
One of the significant advantages of being a Diners Club cardholder is the ability to earn Club Rewards points. These points can be transferred to airline rewards programs or redeemed for custom travel benefits and more. While the specific redemption options may vary, Diners Club consistently strives to provide value to its Clubmembers.
Finding the Best Credit Cards for 2023
While a Diners Club card offers exclusive benefits, it may not be the best option for every individual, family, or budget. Factors such as personal preferences, spending habits, and travel patterns should be taken into account when selecting a credit card. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have curated a list of the best credit cards for 2023, tailored to cater to a wide variety of readers’ needs.
Bottom Line
Diners Club cardholders, or Clubmembers, gain access to exclusive benefits at partner restaurants, golf clubs, and other service-industry merchants. The extensive partnership network of Diners Club, including over 1,000 airport lounges, makes it particularly useful for avid travelers. Although applications for consumer cards are currently closed in the U.S., alternative credit card options exist that offer the best travel rewards. If access to airport lounges or cash rewards are important to you, consider exploring our list of Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access or Best Cash Back Cards.
Remember, credit card selection is a personal decision, and it is essential to choose the one that aligns with your specific lifestyle and financial goals.