I’ve been around long enough to know about some of the lesser-known credit cards—the ones that aren’t splashed all over TV commercials or banner ads, but quietly deliver serious value. If you’re into fantasy sports, think of these as the deep bench players that don’t cost much but consistently deliver solid stats. The football player who racks up 80 yards a week. The hockey forward who gets a couple of assists every game but doesn’t draw the spotlight.
Some credit cards fall into that same category. I’d call them second- or third-tier in terms of name recognition, but for the right person, these cards can be a core part of a points-and-miles strategy. The catch? Many of them are either restricted, nearly impossible to get, or have been discontinued.
Let’s talk about a few that have stood out over the years—and what makes them valuable (and elusive).
CNB Crystal Visa Infinite: A Legend That Burned Bright and Faded Fast
The City National Bank Crystal Visa Infinite card used to be one of the biggest “if you know, you know” plays in the credit card world. If you were able to snag one—and add multiple authorized users—you could easily generate hundreds of dollars in value annually, even before swiping the card.
I came close to applying. I was literally in New York City, just blocks from a CNB branch, and ready to walk in. What stopped me? A killer upgrade offer on the AMEX Bonvoy Brilliant card. In hindsight, that detour proved to be a blessing. Not only did I get great value out of the Bonvoy card, but not long after, CNB massively devalued the Crystal Visa.
It’s a great example of how a high-value, low-publicity card can disappear just as quickly as it emerges.
US Bank Altitude Reserve: 3x on Mobile Payments…If You Could Get It
This card made waves for one reason: 3x points on mobile wallet payments. That meant you could earn triple points at Costco, gas stations, your dentist’s office—anywhere that accepted Apple Pay or Google Pay. It was one of the few cards where “tap to pay” really paid off.
But like many of these under-the-radar cards, there was a big catch. US Bank only accepted applications from people with an existing relationship—meaning a checking/savings account or another US Bank card. And if you didn’t live in the Midwest (US Bank’s primary footprint), it often meant jumping through hoops just to be eligible.
Eventually, US Bank stopped accepting new applications altogether.
UBS Visa Infinite: Premium Perks, Quiet Gatekeeping
Then there’s the UBS Visa Infinite card. On paper, it’s open to anyone. However, in practice, it’s widely reported that submitting applications can be challenging unless you already have a banking or investment relationship with UBS.
And that’s a shame—because this card punches well above its weight:
- $500 annual airline credit for airfare, fees, and upgrades
- One annual 5GB / 30-day cellular data plan via GigSky, usable in 125+ countries
- Priority Pass Select membership
- Visa Infinite Hotel Collection perks like upgrades, breakfast, and late checkout
- 3x points on commercial airfare, 2x on gas and groceries
If you’re already a UBS client (or willing to become one), this card quietly rivals—and even beats—some big-name premium cards. But for everyone else, it’s a “not for you” situation.
So…Are These Cards Worth the Trouble?
That depends. For some, chasing down hard-to-get cards is part of the fun—and a strategic move. They’re willing to open new bank accounts, maintain minimum balances, or relocate spending across multiple cards to maximize value.
For others, it’s just not worth it.
I place myself somewhere in the middle. I know how valuable a card like the Altitude Reserve or UBS Visa Infinite can be, but I’m also OK with skipping the extra effort. I’ve made peace with the idea that I’m not going to earn every mile or optimize every transaction. If I earn 2x instead of 3x because I didn’t want to open a niche checking account? That’s OK.
But that’s me. Your Mileage May Vary.
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