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The benefits offered to supplementary credit cardholders – those added to an account held by someone else – often pale in comparison to those enjoyed by primary cardholders. However, a select group of cards are bucking this trend, extending perks like airport lounge access and elite status to secondary users.

Traditionally, banks prioritize those who generate revenue directly, and supplementary cardholders frequently lack an independent credit profile, often being students, unemployed partners, or retired parents. This has historically translated to limited benefits for these users.

American Express (Amex) stands out as a leader in providing substantial benefits to supplementary cardholders. The Amex Platinum Charge card, for example, offers access to Centurion Lounges, International American Express Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Plaza Premium Lounges – with generous guest privileges. The first supplementary cardholder receives eight Priority Pass visits annually, while all supplementary cardholders gain access to Tower Club facilities and enjoy elite status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and Radisson Rewards programs. Two supplementary cards are provided at no additional cost, with further cards available for an annual fee of S$163.50.

The Amex Platinum Credit Card, a more affordable option, also extends Love Dining and Chillax privileges, along with complimentary golf access, to supplementary cardholders. Like the Charge card, it offers two supplementary cards free of charge.

While other cards offer some supplementary benefits, they are often more limited. The Citi Prestige Card, for instance, provides supplementary cardholders with World Elite Mastercard benefits, including elite status with select hotel chains and an annual data package, but core benefits like airport lounge access and limo transfers remain exclusive to the primary cardholder. All supplementary cards are free.

HSBC Premier Mastercard offers three free supplementary cards, each with unlimited Priority Pass access. What we have is particularly valuable as the primary HSBC Premier Mastercard does not include lounge guesting benefits. StanChart Beyond Card provides four free supplementary cards, also with unlimited Priority Pass access, and allows a maximum of six guests per calendar year across all cards.

Several cards have recently reduced benefits for supplementary cardholders. The OCBC VOYAGE Card, previously offering unlimited lounge access, now limits supplementary cardholders to two visits per year. Visa Infinite cards extend benefits to supplementary cardholders, but the perks offered by Visa Infinite are generally considered less compelling than those provided by World Elite Mastercard, with GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status being a notable exception.

Rules governing supplementary cards are relatively consistent across issuers. Holding a supplementary card does not disqualify an individual from being considered a “new-to-bank” customer for welcome offers, with the exception of American Express, which excludes current and former (within the past 12 months) supplementary cardholders from qualifying for new Amex cards as of July 31, 2025. Bank of China also excludes recent (past six months) supplementary cardholders from welcome offers, though these offers are infrequent.

Supplementary cards do not have independent spending caps; the primary cardholder’s limit is shared. They also do not impact the credit score of the supplementary cardholder, with the primary cardholder bearing responsibility for any unpaid balances. Transactions made on supplementary cards generally count towards minimum spending requirements for welcome offers and other benefits, with exceptions for Bank of China and, historically, UOB (which has since reversed this policy). All supplementary cardholders must be at least 18 years old, though exceptions are made for students with proof of overseas enrollment.

A playful jousting match with a broom ended with a broken tooth for writer and director Brian Helgeland, a testament to the spirited, often chaotic, energy surrounding the making of the 2001 film A Knight’s Tale. The film, starring the late Heath Ledger, is being re-released in a 4K restoration this month, sparking a renewed look back at its unconventional production and the vibrant performance that cemented Ledger’s rising star power. The story behind the film reveals a blend of creative risk-taking, on-set mishaps, and a director’s determination to cast against type.

Helgeland, known for gritty crime dramas like Payback (1999), found himself with an opportunity to direct after being unexpectedly fired during post-production on that film. He channeled his frustration and downtime into a script that playfully subverted medieval tropes, imagining jousting tournaments as a kind of medieval sport. The core idea, he explained, resonated with his own experiences as a screenwriter striving for a director’s chair: a person attempting to be something they weren’t traditionally entitled to be. Now, with a 25th anniversary 4K restoration opening in UK cinemas on February 20, the film’s enduring appeal and unique production details are coming back into focus.

From Race Cars to Royalty: Casting Heath Ledger

The studio initially favored Paul Walker for the lead role of William Thatcher/Sir Ulrich, but Helgeland felt Walker’s persona was too contemporary, better suited for his then-rising fame in the Fast and Furious franchise. “He seemed too contemporary, like a guy who should be driving race cars – which he did so well in The Fast and the Furious,” Helgeland recalled. It was a chance encounter with Heath Ledger at LAX that changed everything. Ledger, arriving with a didgeridoo in tow, captivated Helgeland with an impromptu performance, solidifying his choice for the role. “I fell in love with him in that moment and offered him the part,” Helgeland said.

The film’s playful anachronisms extended to the costuming. The art department famously incorporated the Nike logo into Sir Ulrich’s armor as a joke, a detail that was later acknowledged and appreciated by the sportswear giant. “Years later, someone at Nike told me how much they loved it. I thought: ‘We could’ve got so many free sneakers!’” Helgeland quipped. The jousting scenes themselves were made safer through the use of balsa wood lances filled with uncooked spaghetti, creating a visually striking effect when they broke apart.

On-Set Mishaps and a Mid-Shoot Tattoo

The commitment to realism, even with safety modifications, led to some real-life bumps and bruises for Ledger. Helgeland recounted how Ledger would proudly display his abrasions after filming jousting scenes. The playful physicality even extended beyond the set. After the film’s release, while demonstrating jousting techniques to Ledger’s agent, Helgeland found himself on the receiving end of an accidental blow. “He had a broom and I had a mic stand: he hit me in the mouth by accident and knocked my tooth out,” Helgeland revealed.

Ledger’s dedication to the role extended to a spontaneous decision to get a tattoo during filming. He got a design consisting of concentric circles, explaining it as a representation of himself at the center, surrounded by the Earth and the universe. “You’ve put yourself right in the middle? I’ve never been that confident!” Helgeland joked, acknowledging Ledger’s infectious self-assurance. Helgeland remembers Ledger radiating “light, happiness and joy,” and expressed his sorrow at the loss of such a vibrant creative force.

Chaucer and the Power of “Faking It”

The role of Chaucer, played by Paul Bettany, was another point of contention during casting, with Sony initially suggesting Hugh Grant. Helgeland fought for Bettany, believing his performance would better suit the film’s tone. Bettany himself recalled a challenging audition process, ultimately secured thanks to Ledger’s already-established star power. “Brian started my Hollywood career. He was like a shining knight,” Bettany said. Bettany described his approach to the character as “fake it till you create it,” a philosophy he adopted to overcome audition nerves.

Filming scenes with Chaucer in Prague presented its own challenges, as the extras didn’t understand English. The crew resorted to using cards with “Applaud” or “Laugh” written in Czech, leading to a somewhat surreal experience for Bettany. He too recalled a humorous incident involving a costume department offering him a sock for modesty during the film’s nude scenes, a suggestion he found more embarrassing than the nudity itself. Bettany has since become known for the role, often greeted with shouts of “Hey, naked guy!”

A Knight’s Tale, despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, has resonated with audiences for its unique blend of historical fiction, modern music, and underdog spirit. Helgeland believes the film’s message about fighting the power remains relevant today. The 25th anniversary restoration offers a chance to revisit this unconventional and beloved film, and to remember the charismatic talent of Heath Ledger.

As A Knight’s Tale returns to cinemas, it serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen when creative risks are taken and a director champions his vision. The film’s enduring legacy is a testament to its playful spirit and the unforgettable performance of its leading man.

What are your favorite memories of A Knight’s Tale? Share your thoughts in the comments below!