In recent years, it has become increasingly common for credit cards to charge annual fees in the range of $450 or more. These premium credit cards offer various benefits and perks to justify the high cost, such as annual travel statement credits. However, not all travel credits are created equal, and it’s important for consumers to understand the differences before shelling out hundreds of dollars a year.
To help consumers make informed decisions, The Points Guy (TPG) has created a chart comparing some of the most popular travel credit cards that offer easy-to-use travel credits. Let’s take a closer look at some of these cards and their standout perks.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve: This card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. It comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which is automatically applied to the first $300 in annual travel purchases. This credit can be used for flights, hotels, parking fees, tolls, ride-sharing, and food delivery services. The annual fee for this card is $550.
2. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: With this card, you can earn 70,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months. It offers up to $120 in Lyft credits, up to $120 in statement credits on Grubhub purchases, and up to $120 in statement credits on Avis or Budget car rentals. The annual fee for this card is $595.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: This card allows you to earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. It offers up to $300 in dining statement credits at restaurants worldwide and up to $100 luxury property credit on select stays at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels. The annual fee for this card is $650.
4. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: With this card, you can earn 180,000 Hilton points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. It offers up to $200 in annual airline credit, up to $400 in annual Hilton resort statement credit, and up to $100 property credit on eligible stays at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad hotels. The annual fee for this card is $550.
5. The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card provides a sign-up bonus of 80,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. It offers up to $200 in annual credit for airline incidental fees, up to $200 in annual Uber Cash ($15 a month with a $20 bonus in December), and a $189 Clear Plus credit. The annual fee for this card is $695.
6. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. It provides a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One travel. The annual fee for this card is $395.
It’s important to note that the information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy, and the card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Each of these cards has its own standout perks and benefits, but it’s crucial for consumers to compare and analyze the rewards, annual fees, and redemption options before making a decision. By understanding the differences between these premium travel credit cards, consumers can make an informed choice that aligns with their travel preferences and financial goals.