Diners Club Carte Blanche
By Alex Compton · Last verified
The card that invented the category, now frozen in amber.
Welcome Bonus
None
Closed to new US applicants
Spend Requirement
None
Annual Fee
$300
No FTF
Credit Score
N/A
(closed to new applicants)
Common Questions
Is the Diners Club Carte Blanche discontinued?
Yes. Closed to new US applicants. The card that invented the category, now frozen in amber.
What can I use instead of the Diners Club Carte Blanche?
The closest open alternatives we track are the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X. Each links to our full review with its current offer and complete breakdown.
Open Alternatives
The Carte Blanche is gone, but these cards do a similar job and are still accepting applications.
The flagship premium travel card, rebuilt in 2025 with a credit stack that can out-earn its fee.
The best first travel card in the game. Full transfer partner access for $95.
Premium travel with the easiest break-even math in the category.
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
Last verified 2026-06-11 · spot an outdated offer? Tell us in the comments.
Earning Rates
- 1xAll purchases (Club Rewards)
Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Benefits
- ✦Diners Club airport lounge network worldwide
- ✦Club Rewards transfers to a long list of airline partners
- ✦Primary rental car coverage, an old-school grandfathered perk
Why it earns its spot
- +Historic prestige: the original 1950 charge card lineage
- +Lounge access and transfer partners survive for existing holders
Where it costs you
- −You cannot get one, applications have been closed since 2014
- −Earn rates and fee are uncompetitive by modern standards
- −BMO has shown no intent to relaunch
The Compound Verdict
Diners Club invented the credit card in 1950, and Carte Blanche was its luxury flagship through the golden age of travel. Citi sold the North American business to BMO in 2009, BMO briefly reopened applications in 2014 as the Card Elite, then slammed the door within months and never reopened it. Existing members keep their lounges and transfer partners; everyone else gets a museum piece.
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