MasterCard® Credit Card Applications
By far our most popular application is for Platinum. The Platinum cards pack features and beneifts you won't find in general purpose cards. And because of that fact, the approval process is more stringent. You will need an excellent credit rating to be approved.
The cards on this page are presented as a sampling of the most popular Platinum MasterCards currently issued in the U.S. market. For more choices view the individual bank categories on the left menu. And remember, Platinum cards are intended for those with an excellent credit rating.
Reward your success with Platinum
Platinum is even more coveted than gold. The brilliant white metal is synonymous with luxury, prestige and wealth. With Platinum MasterCards, you get low APRs, high credit limits and a variety of benefits; a platinum MasterCard is a smart investment.
Many consumers find premium credit cards more desirable than standard credit cards because they offer much higher credit limits. Platinum credit cards also come with attractive extras and benefits, such as product warranties, travel insurance, rental insurance, auto rental collision damage waivers, enhanced customer service, and help during emergencies.
Get the Platinum privileges you deserve
Not everyone qualifies for a Platinum MasterCard. First of all, good credit - that means a high credit score - is a must. Second, unlike other credit cards, platinum cards require that your annual income meets the high standards set by the card's issuer. In a sense, Platinum credit cards reward you for being a in a high-income bracket.
Why everyone wants a Platinum
Regardless of the card issuer, all Platinum MasterCard holders are rewarded with a vast array of benefits and services. Here’s a glimpse at what comes standard with many Platinum MasterCards:
• 24/7 worldwide assistance and emergency services, including cash advances
• MasterCard Platinum Concierge Services - day or night
• Access to MasterCard’s Platinum collection partner network
• Master Road Assist roadside service
• Cash back rewards
• No-fee cash advances
• Fraud protection and no liability for unauthorized transactions
• 24-hour assistance with lost or stolen cards
• And much, much more!...Where else can you get such valuable perks and services at no extra charge?
What to look for
When it comes to choosing a Platinum card, start by looking for low intro and ongoing APRs as well as the best possible credit limit. Also look for a card that features the benefits and perks that fit your lifestyle. When researching the right card, consider the following questions:
• Do you like to travel internationally?
• Are you on the road all the time?
• Do you use your credit card for business?
• Do you rent cars often?
• Do you enjoy access to a high credit limit?
Platinum Myth vs. Reality
Many people think that qualifying for and obtaining a platinum credit card will improve their credit rating. Don’t be swayed by this myth. Platinum in your wallet won’t give you a better credit rating. For a higher score, make consistent and timely payments.
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About MasterCard®
MasterCard International is a global payments company with one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. They manage a full range of payment programs and services, including MasterCard® credit cards, MasterCard® debit cards, Maestro® online debit cards, Cirrus® ATM cash access, and related programs.
With approximately 25,000 MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro members worldwide, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses, both large and small, in 210 countries and territories. MasterCard is a leader in quality and innovation, offering a wide range of payment solutions in the virtual and traditional worlds. MasterCard's award-winning Priceless® advertising campaign is now seen in 96 countries and in 47 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. MasterCard is accepted at almost 24 million locations around the globe.
MasterCard Incorporated is a membership organization owned by the 25,000 financial institutions that issue its card. MasterCard is also the company's brand of credit cards.
It was originally created as "Master Charge" by the United California Bank (now part of Wells Fargo) as a competitor to the BankAmericard issued by Bank of America. BankAmericard is now the VISA credit card, issued by Visa International. Other California banks involved in the founding of the original MasterCard were Wells Fargo, Crocker Bank, and the Bank of California
The name Master Charge was licensed by these California banks from the First National Bank of Louisville, Kentucky in 1967. These banks joined with the Interbank Card Association (ICA) to create "Master Charge: The Interbank Card". In 1980, "Master Charge: The Interbank Card" was renamed "MasterCard". In the late 1990s, MasterCard merged with Access, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and EuroCard, in Continental Europe, and quickly removed the old names from cards, ATMs and in-store validators.
MasterCard also owns the Cirrus ATM (cash machine) network, plus the Maestro debit card network as well as the Master Money debit card in the United States, which competes against Visa International's more successful check card. In early 2005, it was released that Citigroup owns six percent of MasterCard.
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About MasterCard® Credit Card Applications
MasterCard began in the late 1940s when several U.S. banks started giving their customers specially-issued paper that could be used like cash in local stores. In 1951, The Franklin National Bank in New York formalized the practice by introducting the first real credit card.
Over the next decade, several franchises evolved where a single bank in each major city would accept cards as payment with certain merchants they'd chosen to work with. On August 16, 1966, one of these groups formed the Interbank Card Association (ICA), which later became MasterCard International.
Unlike other similar organizations, ICA was not dominated by a single bank. Member committees were established to run the association. They established rules for authorization, clearing and settlement. They also handled marketing, security and legal aspects of running the organization. Once the organization was well underway, it was time to expand globally. In 1968, ICA began what is now a huge global network by forming an association with Banco Nacional in Mexico. Later that year, they formed an alliance in Europe with Eurocard and the first Japanese members joined.
Many countries followed close behind the early international members and by the late 1970s, ICA had members from as far as Africa and Australia. To reflect the commitment to international growth, ICA changed its name to MasterCard. In the 1980s, there was further expansion into Asia and Latin America. In 1987, MasterCard became the first payment card to be issued in the People's Republic of China. In 1988, the first MasterCard was issued in the Soviet Union. Today, there are over 37 MasterCard offices around the world with the global headquarters in Purchase, N.Y.
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If you demand the very best...check out our “best in category” cards on the top row.
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Kezia Pearlman, Analyst, Frankford Financial ©2007
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