The VIP access that's hiding in your wallet

Reading Time: 3 min

We all love premium credit cards for the airport lounge access, hotel status, and various statement credits. But let’s be honest: Most of us aren't on a plane every single week.

Thankfully, card issuers have realized that we also have lives on the ground, which is why they’ve been leaning more into lifestyle benefits.

One area that doesn't get nearly enough love is exclusive events and experiences. If you only use your card at the airport, you’re missing out.

In case you missed it...

A faster way to spot great award deals to Europe

In December, I was in Florida for Miami Art Week. It’s usually a chaotic, expensive, and crowded time to be in the city, but my credit cards made it feel like a VIP experience.

American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Citi all had a presence in the city, with exclusive dinners, parties, and Q&A sessions with famous artists.

The standout for me was the Artscape Lounge at Untitled Art Fair, presented by Delta and American Express. It was open to all co-branded Delta Amex cardholders, which felt surprisingly generous for such a high-end event.

Inside, there were complimentary bites and drinks from Michael Solomonov (the genius behind Laser Wolf, which happens to be my #1 ranked restaurant on the Beli app). But the real kicker was the goodie bag. Every cardholder walked away with a few gifts, including a $100 Delta gift card. That’s the kind of perk that can offset a good chunk of your annual fee in a single afternoon.

I never check a bag — here’s what I pack instead

Thinking of heading out this summer without checking a bag? Traveling light is easier with our curated list of space-saving essentials. From single-use wipes and mini deodorants to shampoo bars and sunscreen sticks, each item is designed to keep you fresh without overpacking. Our guide also covers smart extras like wrinkle-release spray, compact lint rollers, and bug-repellent tins — perfect for solving real travel problems without adding bulk. It’s a quick way to upgrade your toiletry kit and breeze through security with less stress.

Travel lighter without sacrificing the essentials

If art isn't your thing, maybe sports are more your speed. A few weeks later, I went to my first New York Islanders hockey game at UBS Arena. If you’ve ever been to a professional sports game, you know the two biggest headaches are the lines to get in and the price of a beer.

My Amex card solved both. All Amex cardholders at UBS Arena get access to a special entrance, which saved me from waiting in the cold. Once inside, Platinum cardholders got access to a private lounge that included two free drinks. In an arena where a single drink can exceed $20, that is some serious value.

You can find similar setups at other venues, too. Even when there isn’t a dedicated lounge, many arenas offer 10% or more off merchandise and concessions when you pay with the right card.

Amex and Chase also both offer swanky lounges with free refreshments at the US Open.

Sometimes these perks are even more immersive. Also in late December 2025, I used my Chase Sapphire Reserve to get into a “Behind the Screen” event with Apple TV. It was an interactive experience where they rebuilt actual sets from popular shows.

The event was free for cardholders and included complimentary drinks and another solid goodie bag. It felt far more like a money-can’t-buy experience than a simple credit card benefit.

Chase was also at the Sundance Film Festival. Sapphire Reserve cardholders typically get access to a dedicated lounge, complete with cozy fires, warm food, and filmmaker panels.

If you missed out, there are more events coming up, including a Formula E event with Jaguar TCS Racing in London, a Surf Abu Dhabi experience with World Surf League, and the already sold-out Dinner on the Court at Chase Center, where cardmembers get to dine on the court where the Golden State Warriors play.

If you’ve never explored this side of your card benefits, here’s how to start:

• Check the “Benefits” or “Experiences” tab in your card’s mobile app. Issuers often list pop-ups, presales, and local events there first.
• Watch the RSVP window. Some events open weeks in advance and fill within hours, especially in major cities.
• Read the guest policy carefully. Some perks allow one complimentary guest, while others require each person to have an eligible card.

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