5 Things to Know About the City National Rewards Crystal Visa Infinite Card

This card offers a slew of perks and special access. But it comes with a high annual fee and a tough application process.
Updated
Profile photo of Sara Rathner
Written by Sara Rathner
Senior Writer/Spokesperson
Profile photo of Kenley Young
Edited by Kenley Young
Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
5 Things to Know about the City National Rewards Crystal Visa Infinite Card

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

For the frequent traveler who wants to kick things up a notch, the City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card provides an unparalleled number of luxurious perks, with a hefty annual fee of $400 to match.

Here are five things to know about the card.

1. Submitting an application takes some effort

Pre-pandemic, you had to apply for the City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card in person at a City National branch. It's unclear if that's changed since 2020, but you still won't be able to apply for the card online without contacting City National first.

2. There’s no sign-up bonus, but the ongoing rewards are generous

Once you’re approved for the City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card, you’ll earn:

  • 3 points per $1 spent on airfare, hotel stays, taxis, limos, rental cars, trains, buses, restaurants, fast food and takeout.

  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Cash back is not an option, but you can redeem points for things like travel, gift cards and merchandise (point values may vary and are subject to change). You can book travel on most airlines with no blackout dates.

3. Travel credits help offset the annual fee

The City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card offers a number of statement credits and discounts that can help take a bite out of that $400 annual fee:

  • Up to $350 in statement credit per calendar year to cover qualifying incidental airline fees.

  • A statement credit of up to $550 per calendar year for any airline lounge club around the world after spending $50,000 that year.

  • A $100 statement credit to cover the Global Entry application fee.

  • Cardholders get two complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships per account, with unlimited free visits. If either member brings a guest, they’ll be charged $32 per guest, per visit.

4. Additional upscale perks are plentiful

Upgraded hotel stays and car rentals

The City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card entitles you to VIP treatment at select hotels with Relais & Chateaux.

You can also get discounts and upgrades when you rent a car from Avis, Hertz and Audi on demand.

Concierge service and unfettered access

A concierge is available at your beck and call, 24 hours a day, for help with airline and hotel bookings, restaurant reservations and more. Golfers can also snag savings and special access to high-end links via Troon.

Travel and purchase protections

When you travel, you’ll have rental car collision coverage, reimbursements if your trip is delayed, interrupted or canceled (or if your luggage is lost), hotel theft protection, travel assistance services, emergency card replacement and more. Your purchases will be covered by an extended warranty, as well as price protection (a perk that's become harder to find in recent years).

5. All things considered, it’s an inexpensive card to carry

If you travel often and you’re the type to use every benefit a rewards card offers, you’ll find a lot of value in the City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card, even with its $400 annual fee. The travel-related statement credits and discounts alone are worth more than $800 before you even factor in Priority Pass Select lounge access.

Homebodies and strict budgeters who won’t squeeze every drop out of the City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card will have better luck with a more modest travel rewards card, or even a cash-back card. But if you want a taste of the high life, the City National Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card opens doors.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Get Started
Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.