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For big spenders, some perks may be worth the annual fee.

Platinum credit cards were supposed to signify prestige, but they quickly became about as common as copper pennies. So to lure upscale consumers, Visa and MasterCard have created "premier" cards with extra perks for heavy-duty travelers and shoppers.

The chief attraction of Visa Signature and World MasterCard is the opportunity to earn frequent-flier miles that are good on any airline, with no blackout periods or expiration dates. But you have to use your card a lot to earn free travel because the miles can't be combined with those earned in airline programs.

One nice extra is a 24-hour concierge service you can use to snag theater tickets, arrange an exotic outing or locate a hard-to-find gift. Other perks are the kind you'll probably never use: travel insurance, extended warranties, and so on.

For those extras, you generally won't pay any more than you do for an airline-affiliated credit card that earns frequent-flier miles. Associates National Bank, Bank of America, First USA, Household Bank and Travelers issue either the Signature or World card. We found the best terms on First USA's World MasterCard, with a $49 annual fee and a 15.99% interest rate after six months at 5.9%. Others typically charge annual fees of up to $85.

Of course, the original "prestige card" is American Express's platinum card--by far the most expensive at $300 a year. But some frequent travelers may not find that a lot to pay for perks that include free access to Northwest and Continental airport lounges, a 24-hour concierge service, preferred seats at concerts and sporting events, and free membership in Amex's Membership Rewards frequent-flier program, which costs green-card members an extra $25.

And, of course, there's American Express's famous "travel emergency assistance." If a doctor certifies that it is medically necessary, American Express will evacuate you from a Himalayan mountaintop or a cruise ship, transport you to a medical facility, and pay all the nonmedical costs.

But Amex is also reaching downward with a rebate card that may be the best deal of all. The no-fee platinum Cash Back card is for big spenders: The cash rebate is minimal on the first $5,000 in purchases each year, but after that your rebate is 1.5% on balances you pay off right away or 2% on balances you revolve. The interest rate, however, is a hefty 18.24% after six months at 5.9%.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:53 AM