Unlocking VIP Access to Exclusive Events with Your Premium Credit Card

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Miami Art Week is the city's premier cultural celebration, highlighted by the excitement of Art Basel and glamorous parties that attract stars from the arts, fashion, entertainment, and culinary worlds. For the more than 75,000 attendees of this annual December event, getting on those coveted guest lists may seem daunting—but it’s achievable. In fact, possessing the right credit card can secure your spot at unforgettable Art Week events—and that was definitely true for me.

For instance, with my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, I gained access to an exclusive Capital One Dining dinner featuring José Andrés. The event, priced at $125 per person, included unlimited Laurent Perrier champagne, appetizers, a multi-course feast, and entry to artist Alex Israel’s Snow Beach Frozen Treats installation, showcased in the venue. The following night, I returned for a Sunset Social cocktail gathering for Capital One cardholders ($30), featuring an open bar, appetizers, and DJ performances by acclaimed producer Mark Ronson and 1980s legend DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Thanks to my Capital One card, I attended the reveal of Mycelia, a breathtaking work by my favorite contemporary sculptor, Daniel Popper, at the 1 Hotel South Beach. I even had the chance to chat with him about his creative process and snapped a fan-boy photo with him.

During the daytime, when I wasn’t exploring the Art Basel fair, I relaxed at the chic beach lounges hosted by American Express and Chase. My access to Play by American Express Platinum, an engaging gallery at the Miami Beach Edition, was granted by The Platinum Card® from American Express. The space featured oversized nostalgic toys reimagined by artists like Surin Kim, Kumkum Fernando, Serban Ionesco, and Eny Lee Parker. The nostalgic vibe was enhanced by retro candies and unique cocktails like Yoo-hoo espresso martinis served in actual Yoo-hoo boxes.

At the Chase Sapphire Day Lounge near the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, my Chase Sapphire Reserve® allowed me to indulge in dishes from the Michelin-starred Miami restaurant Los Felix and the renowned Contramar from Mexico City. Later, I returned to the lounge for an exclusive performance by Latin pop star Becky G, which set me back $200 (including food and drinks).

Gaining access to unique experiences like those at Miami Art Week is one of the lesser-known perks of premium cards from Capital One, American Express, and Chase. Plus, these cards can unlock many more VIP events throughout the year. Here’s a selection of other exclusive experiences you can enjoy with these credit cards—even if you missed out on Art Week this time.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers cardholders entry to a variety of cultural and culinary events, as well as enhanced experiences at concerts, festivals, and sports events. Key highlights include:

• Unique dining experiences via Capital One Dining, which in 2023 featured the Per Se Summer Experience in the Hamptons, featuring lunch by Thomas Keller at Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka’s summer retreat.
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with talent at iHeart concerts and festivals through Capital One Entertainment, along with presales for select concerts (yes, including Taylor Swift!).
• A complimentary six-month Enthusiast level membership with the global arts club, the Cultivist, granting access to over 100 premier museums worldwide, such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, plus chances to attend special events and tours.
• Exclusive early access, intimate chef dinners, and lounges for cardholders at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and New York Food & Wine Festival.
• Options to redeem Capital One rewards for MLB tickets (Capital One has secured cardholder access to games for all 30 teams, All-Star Week, MLB Postseason, and the World Series).

The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express includes a By Invitation Only program for cardholders that offers VIP experiences across entertainment, sports, dining, arts, and culture, varying each year. Highlights include:

• Once-in-a-lifetime trips with culinary legends. For instance, in November 2023, cardmembers hunted for truffles with Massimo Bottura in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, dined at his restaurants, and stayed at Casa Maria Luigia, Bottura’s guesthouse.
• Exclusive access at Paris Fashion Week. In 2023, cardholders spent time with Stella McCartney during Paris Fashion Week, enjoying premium seating at the invitation-only Winter 2023 runway show, followed by a meet-and-greet with the designer.
• Access to special movie premieres. Cardholders attended the Barbie world premiere in 2023, walking the pink carpet and meeting Greta Gerwig and Kate McKinnon.
• Three-day VIP passes for Coachella Valley Music and Arts, providing special entry to a private area for food and drinks.
• Exclusive lounges with food and drinks at the annual U.S. Open Tennis Championships and U.S. Open Golf.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve elevates the experience at high-profile events from Sundance to Formula 1 Race Weeks in Miami and Las Vegas, while also providing exclusive access to numerous culinary events. Here are some examples:

• Admission to Chase Sapphire on Main at the Sundance Film Festival, a venue for film panels, dining experiences, and unique events held annually (for instance, the 2024 lineup features the After Hours party by the Infatuation and Chase Sapphire, with food and drinks from Denver’s Sunday Vinyl and Frasca).
• Exclusive access to the trendiest dining spots across the nation, as highlighted in the Infatuation’s monthly Hit List editorial guide through the Hit List Dinner Series.
• Priority access to tickets for select Live Nation concerts and the highly anticipated food festival, the Infatuation’s EEEEEATSCON, taking place in Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City in 2024.
• Special events and lounges during Race Week in Las Vegas and Miami.
• On-site perks at the PGA and LPGA Championships and U.S. Open.

Key Takeaways

While the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, and Chase Sapphire Reserve are often celebrated for their travel perks, rewards potential, and annual credits, each also excels in providing VIP access to the nation’s premier events.