They say to take what you love and turn it into a job. I get to talk about credit cards, points and miles every day and get paid for it, so I say I’ve succeeded at that. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I enjoy singing the praises of rewards credit cards whenever I get the chance.

But the credit card industry offers so many options that even an expert like me can struggle to keep track. That’s why I love helping my friends and family sift through the choices to find cards that fit their lifestyles and travel goals.

Usually, there’s a handful of rewards cards that come up whenever I’m giving my Ted Talk on credit cards, points and miles. There’s a good reason for that: these cards are flexible, easy to use and brimming with enough perks to justify whatever annual fee they may have.

Here are my top picks.

Comparing my top picks for the best rewards credit cards

Here’s a quick overview of what each of my favorite rewards cards has to offer.

Card	Welcome offer	Earning rates
Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) (No annual fee)	Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.	5% back on rotating quarterly categories each quarter you activate (on up to $1,500 of spending each quarter, then 1% back) 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ 3% back on dining and at drugstores 2% back on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027) 1% back on all other purchases
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) ($95 annual fee)	Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.	5 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027) 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery orders (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees) ($95 annual fee)	Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.	10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com 3 points per dollar spent on air travel, other hotel purchases, dining, supermarkets, gas and electric vehicle charging stations 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
American Express Platinum Card® ($895 annual fee; see rates and fees)	New Amex Platinum cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they’re eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.	5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent) 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Chase Freedom Flex

Standout benefits: This card’s best benefit is its rotating quarterly bonus categories. You’ll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 of spending each quarter in these categories (then 1% back; activation required). Plus, cardholders can enjoy a complimentary six-month DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

The Freedom Flex is, in my opinion, one of Chase’s most underrated cards. It often gets overshadowed by its big siblings, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).

This card is best for beginners and those looking for an affordable, flexible product. It was my first proper rewards card, and it was the one that truly got me hooked on this hobby.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Freedom Flex.

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Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

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Chase Sapphire Preferred

Standout benefits: This card offers access to Chase’s transfer partners, a critical component of maximizing your rewards. If you have an eligible no-annual-fee Chase card, like the Freedom Flex, you can turn that card’s rewards into transferable Ultimate Rewards points with the Sapphire Preferred.

The Sapphire Preferred gets put on a pedestal here at TPG, and for good reason. It’s an affordable card that earns valuable, transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Plus, it’s easy to get your money back (and then some) with the Sapphire Preferred’s annual fee, thanks to its DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

Cardholders also get a $50 credit for an eligible hotel booking through Chase Travel each year, in addition to a 10% anniversary points boost. These approachable perks make this card a great introduction to the world of points and miles — it was even my very first transferable rewards card.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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Citi Strata Premier

Standout benefits: This card covers a wide variety of everyday spending categories, making it a great fit for a one-card wallet. If you like using issuer travel portals for your bookings, you’ll appreciate this card’s annual $100 hotel benefit on a single hotel booking of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) made through Citi Travel.

Ask around enough at TPG, and you’ll soon find a few people who’d agree with me that the Strata Premier is a dark horse in the mid-tier credit card space. With this card, you’ll be able to earn bonus rewards on the majority of your everyday spending, including groceries, gas, EV charging and dining. You’ll also gain access to Citi’s 22 transfer partners, including award enthusiast favorites like American Airlines and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

I don’t have the Strata Premier myself, but I’d absolutely choose it if I had the desire (and willpower) to hold myself to just one card.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Strata Premier.

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Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card

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American Express Platinum

Standout benefits: Trying to condense this card’s standout benefits into a few sentences is nearly impossible. It boasts a long list of statement credits, elite statuses and lounges you can access, among other benefits. It may feature the highest annual fee of any card on the market, but it’s well worth it for the right cardmember.

The Amex Platinum is my most expensive card, but I’m able to justify it thanks to its various benefits. I just used my statement credits for Resy*, which is up to $400 annually (up to $100 per quarter) and for Lululemon** which is up to $300 annually (up to $75 per quarter). This means I’m already roughly $175 toward breaking even on this card’s annual fee.

I also value this card’s lounge access, which is the furthest-reaching of any card currently available. If you can afford to pay $895 in one billing cycle for a card, the Amex Platinum is definitely worth considering.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum.

*U.S. restaurants only; enrollment required
**U.S. stores and online only; outlets excluded; enrollment required

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Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

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How I chose my top rewards cards

The best rewards cards offer flexibility and a lot of value. Some carry annual fees, some don’t, but each has at least a few tried-and-true ways to justify their place in your wallet. They all offer bonus categories tied to common spending, solid lifestyle credits, brand perks or some combination.

I recommend these cards time and again because I believe they’re the best fit for most travelers. You don’t need all four of these cards to have a well-rounded wallet, but your travels can certainly be elevated if you do.

Bottom line

Ask me for my best rewards card recommendations, and these are the ones you’ll hear about. I have three out of four of them in my wallet, and I don’t regret opening any of them. The Strata Premier, while not a good fit for my personal card strategy, is still on the same playing field as its companions on this list.

Be intrigued, not intimidated, by rewards credit cards. These options can all unlock travel opportunities you might never have thought possible.

Related: Best credit cards: These 4 keep me on the go about 180 days a year

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Elite status with a hotel chain can make travel much more comfortable, but you don’t necessarily need elite status to unlock extra perks during your next hotel stay.

After all, select credit card holders can get elitelike perks by booking through programs such as American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts program, Capital One’s Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection, and Citi’s Hotel Collection and The Reserve (formerly Luxury Collection).

Likewise, Chase features a selection of luxury hotels called The Edit by Chase Travel℠.

Booking one of Chase’s The Edit properties can provide travelers with valuable perks. Plus, we’ve found that prices are pretty comparable when booking directly with the hotel versus via Chase Travel.

Let’s discuss the benefits of booking through this platform.

What is The Edit by Chase Travel?

The Edit by Chase Travel offers select Chase cardholders elitelike benefits at more than 1,000 hotels, resorts, lodges and spas worldwide. The premium properties bookable through The Edit program are a mix of branded and independent lodgings.

To make a reservation through the program, you must have a participating card.

Which cards are eligible for The Edit by Chase Travel bookings?

You must have one of the following cards to make a booking through The Edit by Chase Travel:

The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Edit by Chase Travel benefits and perks

The price when booking through The Edit by Chase Travel is usually the same as when booking directly, but sometimes it can be higher or lower depending on the property. The perks you receive when you book through the program and use your eligible Chase card to purchase your stay may offset any price difference. With every The Edit booking, you receive:

• Daily breakfast for two
• A special benefit worth up to $100 (unique to each property but often includes a lunch or dinner for two, a spa treatment, golf green fee waivers, a welcome gift or airport transfers)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi at properties that offer Wi-Fi
• A room upgrade at select properties (when available)
• Early check-in and late checkout at select properties (when available)

As you might expect, the daily breakfast and special benefits vary in quality and value. Although Chase provides various examples of the special benefit, most properties offer a $50 or $100 credit to use during your stay.

The Edit statement credit for Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholders

Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholders currently receive up to a $500 annual statement credit (up to $250 biannually) for prepaid The Edit bookings of two nights or more.

To use the credit, simply pay with your eligible Sapphire card at checkout on The Edit by Chase Travel. This credit could fully cover (or cover a portion of) a weekend getaway or staycation.

Note that Sapphire Reserve cardholders who applied before June 23 will not receive access to the new The Edit statement credit until Oct. 26.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, The Edit credit will be even more flexible. Cardholders will automatically get a credit of up to $250 for each prepaid The Edit booking (of two nights or more), up to $500 annually. Instead of waiting to take advantage of your The Edit statement credit once between January and June and then once more between July and December, you’ll be able to use the full allotment at your leisure instead of biannually.

Related: Chase boosts Sapphire Reserve hotel perks with new and improved credits

For use in 2026, consumer and business Sapphire cardholders will receive an additional $250 statement credit for select prepaid Chase Travel hotel bookings (of two nights or more) with the following brands:

• IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Minor Hotels
• Montage Hotels & Resorts
• Omni Hotels & Resorts
• Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts
• Pendry Hotels & Resorts
• Virgin Hotels

If you’ve never used The Edit by Chase Travel and are a Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholder, this credit can be a good way to try out a new hotel or return to an old favorite. The credit generally takes six to eight weeks to post to your account, but many TPG staffers have seen it post much faster.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them

How to book The Edit by Chase Travel

To book through The Edit, log in to Chase Travel. To start a search, enter your destination, dates and number of guests in the search boxes at the top of the page.

Once you find a hotel you like, click on it to see all the benefits you will receive with The Edit. Here, you can see the listed benefits that are standard with The Edit properties. Then, you will select the room type you want.

Once you get to the payment page, you can pay with cash, points or a combo of the two. When you pay with your Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, you will earn 8 points per dollar spent.

To book your stay, you must use your eligible Chase card. While you can opt to pay later (aka at the hotel), you must prepay in order to use your Sapphire Reserve The Edit credit.

Some of The Edit properties may have cancellation policies, so be sure to double-check when booking. Also note that the price you see may not show additional hotel charges, such as resort fees. Take the time to understand what types of fees the hotel might impose before you book.

Finally, carefully read the details of specific benefits at the property you book. Some complimentary breakfast perks are limited to certain restaurants or subject to a maximum dollar amount. Additionally, some of these may be temporarily unavailable.

Related: What’s the difference between Chase’s The Edit properties and Points Boost?

Will I earn elite status or loyalty benefits?

Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders who book through The Edit may have their hotel loyalty benefits honored. You may be eligible to earn elite night credits and receive benefits associated with your elite status.

When searching for hotels, it will be noted if the property is eligible for loyalty benefits. For example, when looking at the Thompson Central Park New York, this property states it is “World of Hyatt eligible.”

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review: Luxury perks coupled with valuable rewards

Is The Edit by Chase Travel worth it?

The Edit by Chase Travel resembles Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program, but when you book with Fine Hotels + Resorts, your late checkout is guaranteed and the experience credit is often more valuable because it covers more options.

Other card-related hotel programs include Capital One’s Lifestyle Collection and Amex’s The Hotel Collection. However, when compared with The Edit by Chase Travel, the benefits from these programs aren’t as extensive or valuable. They do offer the opportunity to book some less expensive hotels, though.

Finally, booking directly will usually provide more rate options, including AAA, AARP and corporate rates. When booking directly, you can also click through a cash-back portal and know with more certainty that you’ll get elite nights and benefits (if that matters to you). If you already get breakfast included as a brand amenity or elite benefit, it may make sense to book directly, especially if you can do so at a lower rate.

Booking through The Edit by Chase Travel is generally worth it. However, we recommend comparing other booking options when planning a trip to ensure you get the best value and benefits for your stay.

When to use The Edit by Chase Travel

Even if the rates aren’t the lowest, booking through a program like The Edit by Chase Travel can be a good idea in some instances.

Short stays

One of the most significant selling points of The Edit by Chase Travel is the property credit. However, most properties provide this benefit per stay, not per night. So, the shorter your stay, the better value this represents.

As such, it may be worth booking a property linked to The Edit for only one night at the beginning or end of your trip to squeeze the most value out of this perk.

Boutique and nonchain hotels

Booking through The Edit can give you elitelike benefits at nonchain hotels. Some luxury hotels aren’t part of a hotel loyalty program, so booking through The Edit by Chase Travel can be an excellent way to get more benefits and recognition.

Someone else is paying

If your company or a client is paying for your stay, it may not matter how you book. So, you may be able to book through The Edit by Chase Travel, even if it isn’t the least expensive option, so you can benefit from the program’s perks when traveling for business.

Travelers without elite status

Booking through The Edit by Chase Travel provides many of the same perks as elite status. Booking through The Edit can provide more value when you’re staying at a brand for which you don’t have top-tier elite status. The breakfast benefit alone is enough to offset any difference in rates at some properties.

Bottom line

Using your hard-earned points for hotel stays can be a great way to keep money in your pocket. That said, using points may not be the best option — or an option at all — in some cases. Not to mention, for some trips, you might want elitelike perks even though you don’t have elite status. In these cases, it may make sense to book your hotel stay through a program like The Edit by Chase Travel.

Related: Enjoy luxury perks at our favorite hotels that are part of The Edit by Chase Travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express packs a lot of punch into its metal shell. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given that it’s among the heaviest and most expensive of the publicly available premium cards.

While the current welcome offer alone is worth up to $3,500 (based on TPG’s September 2025 valuations) and the luxury perks — including travel credits, elite status and lounge access* — can add several hundred dollars or more a year to its long-term value, most people considering the Amex Platinum will fixate on one number: the $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

It’s easy to make the case that the Amex Platinum can pay for itself over time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right card for you. So, let’s look at who should — and shouldn’t — get the Amex Platinum.

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Key benefits

Right now, you can find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the card in your first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not bot be eligible for an offer.

According to TPG’s valuations, Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each, making that bonus worth up to $3,500. That’s an excellent return in and of itself.

No matter which bonus offer you get, all Platinum cardmembers enjoy the same valuable perks. To offset the annual fee, Amex offers several statement credits, with some notable ones including (enrollment is required for select benefits):

• Up to $600 hotel statement credit per calendar year on eligible Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection bookings (up to $300 semi-annually; minimum two-night stay required for The Hotel Collection)
• Up to $400 every calendar year (up to $100 each quarter) for purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. No reservation is required
• Up to $300 per calendar year (up to $25 monthly) in digital entertainment statement credits for eligible subscriptions
• Up to $200 statement credit each calendar year for airline incidental charges, such as seat assignment, lounge access and checked bag fees with a select qualifying airline
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash each calendar year in increments of up to $15 per month, plus an up to $20 bonus in December (for U.S. services). You can also use these credits to order food from Uber Eats. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card
• Up to a $120 Uber One statement credit that fully covers an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits (up to $50 semi-annually)
• Up to $120 for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Either a $120 statement credit available every four years after you apply for Global Entry or an up to $85 statement credit available every 4½ years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck
• Up to $300 each calendar year (up to $75 quarterly) Lululemon statement credit for U.S. stores (excluding outlets) and online

The Amex Platinum also offers 5 points per dollar spent (or a 10% return based on TPG’s valuations) on airfare booked directly with the airline, as well as on airfare booked through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 per year, 1 point per dollar spent thereafter). You’ll also earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel (including prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings).

That’s the best return you’ll get anywhere on buying airline tickets, according to our valuations.

Frequent travelers will also appreciate that the Platinum offers the most comprehensive lounge access of any card, including a Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), Amex’s growing global collection of Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (limited to 10 annual visits, unlimited visits can be unlocked by spending $75,000 or more on your card in a calendar year ), Aspire, Escape and select Lufthansa lounges. Enrollment may be required; access is limited to eligible cardmembers.

Rounding out the list of benefits are Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott and Leaders Club Sterling status (enrollment is required), access to a premium concierge service, travel protections, car rental insurance*, baggage insurance** and a host of other lesser-known perks.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Who should get the Amex Platinum?

People who are over Chase’s 5/24 rule

When people come to me looking for starter card recommendations, I’ll almost always suggest either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees).

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are slightly more valuable than Amex Membership Rewards points — TPG’s September 2025 valuations peg Ultimate Rewards at 2.05 cents and Membership Rewards points at 2 cents — and Chase’s “5/24 rule” gives me plenty of reason to recommend getting your Chase cards first.

If you aren’t familiar with this rule, it means that applicants who’ve opened five or more cards in the last 24 months across all issuers will be automatically rejected for most Chase cards. This is why you should usually prioritize Chase cards as you start building up your wallet with our best rewards credit cards.

However, after you max out your five Chase slots, what comes next? The Amex Platinum is a perfect answer, and it can even help you get more value out of your Chase points.

The other benefits of the Amex Platinum can also complement a rewards strategy that started with Chase. Unlike the Platinum card, Chase cards don’t offer Uber Cash or as many options for airport lounge access.

Related: 4 different flavors of Amex Platinum — which one is right for you?

People who will use the lounge access

If you can fully use the statement credits on the Amex Platinum each year, the out-of-pocket cost for the card goes down dramatically.

Instead of thinking about this as an annual fee you pay to Amex for the privilege of spending money on its hunk of metal, think about it as an annual lounge membership fee.

As a reminder, the Amex Platinum comes with a Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), access to Amex’s global Centurion Lounges and access to Delta Sky Clubs (but only when flying same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits, unless you spend $75,000 to unlock unlimited visits). Lounge access is limited to eligible cardmembers.

Amex currently operates Centurion lounges in more than twenty airports, making the card even more worth it if you live in or frequently transit through one of those locations.

People who stay at Hilton, Marriott or select luxury hotels

The Platinum Card provides Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott to cardmembers, including authorized users (enrollment required).

If you don’t have Gold status or higher with these brands through other credit cards or organically through stays, Gold status with these brands provides useful benefits, including room upgrades, points bonuses, and welcome gifts.

You’ll also receive Leaders Club Sterling status from Leading Hotels of the World, a collection of luxurious independent hotels.

If you like to stay at luxury hotels, you’ll also have access to the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program as an Amex Platinum cardholder or authorized user. When you book an FHR stay, you’ll get elitelike benefits, including guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, daily breakfast for two and a unique property amenity valued at $100 or more.

Who shouldn’t get the Amex Platinum?

People under 5/24

Many people just starting in the points world underestimate the stringency of Chase’s 5/24 rule. I remember when I got my first credit card, I couldn’t imagine opening five or more cards in two years — yet I ended up opening 17 in that time frame. I estimate I lost well over $1,000 by not being eligible for an Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card during those early years.

However, once you get over 5/24, it may be hard to get back under, and there’s a massive opportunity cost in doing so. Having a plan and sticking to it will serve you well in the long term.

The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

People who book airfare through online travel agencies

The Platinum Card provides 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of spending each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

However, if you prefer to purchase airfare through online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Orbitz and Expedia, you’ll only earn 1 point per dollar spent with the Platinum Card. As a result, you’ll do better with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), which provides bonus earnings on air travel purchases with OTAs.

People who can’t maximize the Platinum’s statement credits

One of the main arguments in favor of keeping the Amex Platinum long-term is that its various statement credits drastically reduce the out-of-pocket cost you’re really paying.

If, for some reason, you can’t take full advantage of all of these statement credits, the math gets a little stickier. Uber Cash, for example, can only be used within the U.S., so expats like me mostly waste it. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Maybe you do not need an extra up to $200 in airline credits each calendar year — if you have elite status and all your travel is covered by points or your job, that extra money might be wasted on you, especially given the restrictions around the credits.

Carefully consider just how much these credits are worth to you; if they provide little to no value, another Amex card might be a better fit.

People who’d be better off with the Amex Business Platinum Card

Several versions of the Platinum card exist, including the personal card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Mostly, they share the same perks and benefits, but small differences might lead you to pick one or the other.

For example, the Business Platinum also has an annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees), but it doesn’t offer the same up to $200 Uber Cash each calendar year as the personal version.

It adds another bonus category, though — 2 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

The Business Platinum also provides up to $1,150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. Dell purchases: up to $150 each calendar year and an additional $1,000 statement credit after spending $5,000 on Dell purchases with the same card each calendar year (enrollment required).

You can also access the Pay with Points redemption option on the Business Platinum card, which gets you a 35% bonus for eligible flights with your selected airline using your Amex points (up to 1 million points back per calendar year). This is notably not available on the personal Amex Platinum.

Bottom line

The Amex Platinum Card from American Express regularly makes the cut as one of TPG’s best travel card recommendations because of the outsize value it can provide, from the initial welcome offer to the ongoing luxury perks it offers.

However, even when a card is valuable, it might not be your best choice. You have to consider how this application factors into your long-term plans, especially as it relates to other issuers. You also have to ensure you can maximize the benefits in your life, at least enough to recoup the hefty annual fee.

The Amex Platinum can easily pay for itself through its valuable benefits and redemption options, but only if you’re able to easily and naturally use them.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum.

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Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

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For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.

American Express has refreshed its flagship The Platinum Card® from American Express, updating benefits while keeping the card firmly positioned as one of the top premium travel rewards cards on the market.

With an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Platinum delivers lounge access, hotel elite status, extensive statement credits, and strong earning rates on flights and hotels. Combined with a valuable welcome offer for new applicants, the Platinum continues to offer exceptional rewards and travel perks for those who can maximize its benefits.

Here’s a closer look at the current offer and what you’ll get with the Amex Platinum.

Amex Platinum welcome offer

American Express takes a different approach to welcome offers for the Platinum compared to most of its other cards: Applicants must submit an application to see their personalized welcome offer, which is displayed before they accept and complete the process.

New Amex Platinum applicants can see if they’re eligible for a welcome bonus as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

That welcome bonus is worth up to $3,500, according to TPG’s September 2025 valuations. This is one of the highest bonuses a new cardmember can earn if they’re targeted.

The exact welcome bonus offer will be shown after you submit the application, with the spending requirement and time frame generally consistent across offers.

The advantage is that the personalized welcome offer shown will not affect your credit score, as Amex performs a soft credit check when you apply. If you’re happy with the welcome offer and accept, then a hard inquiry will be made on your credit report. However, you can decline to proceed if you want to wait or try to find a higher offer.

Since Amex has a one-bonus-per-lifetime restriction, it’s important that you get the highest welcome offer possible when you apply.

Related: What is the difference between a hard and soft pull on your credit report?

Amex Platinum benefits

The Amex Platinum‘s $895 annual fee may trigger some sticker shock. But when you dive into its long list of benefits, there’s the potential to recoup that value — and then some.

Earning rates

• 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases

Statement credits

The card offers over $2,800 in annual value (including the prorated value of the Global Entry credit) if you maximize all of the statement credits:

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Other card perks

Beyond its earning rates and credits, the Amex Platinum delivers a wide range of premium benefits*:

• Lounge access: Eligible cardmembers receive entry to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, except for basic economy tickets; up to 10 visits per calendar year) and Priority Pass Select lounges (excluding restaurants)
• Hotel elite status: Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus Leaders Club Sterling Status with The Leading Hotels of the World
• Comprehensive travel protections and shopping protections when using your card
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Bottom line

The Amex Platinum continues to set a high standard for premium travel cards thanks to its mix of luxury perks, valuable statement credits, and strong earnings on flights and hotels.

With a valuable welcome offer currently available, it’s a strong choice for travelers who can take full advantage of its benefits.

While the $895 annual fee is steep, those who maximize the Platinum’s perks will find the card more than earns its place in their wallet.

To learn more, check out our full review of the American Express Platinum Card.

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Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

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For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

If you fly a few times a year, you know the pain points: baggage fees that add up quickly, boarding last and finding no overhead bin space left, and earning miles at a snail’s pace. That’s where the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card can really change your travel experience. I’m a believer that if you fly one airline at least a few times per year (or have a favorite airline), you should at least get the airline’s lowest tier credit card as it comes with enough perks to justify the cost and will make your travel experience better.

If you’re a Delta casual flier who wants solid perks with a $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $150, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the card for you. (See rates and fees.)

In this review, we’ll break down the benefits, costs, and potential drawbacks so you can decide if this card is worth adding to your wallet.

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What is the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card ?

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is Delta’s most basic credit card offering and is for people who want to make their airport and flying experience easier but don’t want to pay a high annual fee. The annual fee for this card is $150 per year but is a $0 intro annual fee the first year.

This card offers:

• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
• 2x miles on Delta purchases
• 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• Free checked bag on Delta flights
• $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year
• 15% off Award Travel redemptions on Delta flights
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights
• Up to $100 Delta Stays credit
• 20% back on eligible in-flight purchases savings in the form of statement credits.

Using Your Delta Points

Delta uses dynamic pricing for their rewards. That means that the number of points it takes to book a flight isn’t a set number. Instead, the rate varies based on the cash price of a flight. You can also redeem your points as cash at checkout at the rate of 1 cent per mile but I never find that a good redemption and only rarely ever do that. I only ever do this if I am low on points and don’t have enough to redeem a flight but want to save money off the cash price.

The 15% off on award redemptions makes flights a lot more affordable so be sure to have your card connected to your SkyMiles account. If you are flexible with your dates, you can use their award calendar to see the best points fare as mixing and matching your dates can lead to better deals.

Additionally, Delta offers a lot of award sales so keep an eye out for them. Thrifty Traveler and Point.me are two good websites that can send you alerts. I find Delta miles to be the best for U.S. domestic economy and comfort plus redemptions. Unless there’s a sale, I never book for business or international flights. The redemption value is terrible.

Is the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Worth It?

If you fly Delta two or three times a year and don’t have elite status, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card can pay for itself just through the free checked bag benefit as that can save up to $70 on a round-trip per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. Add in priority boarding, the 15% award discount, and occasional statement credits, and you’re getting solid value for a relatively modest annual fee.

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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card hits a sweet spot for casual-to-regular Delta fliers. The free checked bag alone can offset the annual fee, and the priority boarding and award discount make travel more pleasant and affordable. While it doesn’t offer premium perks like lounge access, it delivers enough value for its price point. If you fly Delta but aren’t ready to commit to a high-fee premium card, this is an easy choice to consider.

 

Depending on how many credit cards you have, the list of benefits you should be using this month might feel overwhelming. Can you remember all of these perks without help? Maybe not.

Rather than trying to keep track of all of them on your own, we’ve compiled a monthly checklist of credit card perks and benefits you might be eligible for. This should take the guesswork out of your benefits when they expire and their value.

Here are some important reminders for the month of August.

Related: The 13 card benefits TPG’s experts love the most

American Express

There are numerous monthly card perks that you should be using since Amex offers many of its statement credits as monthly amounts, rather than a one-time annual benefit.

It’s important to note that these values are “up to” amounts, meaning this is the maximum you will receive in statement credits. If you spend less than this amount, you will be reimbursed only for that lower amount.

Additionally, your Uber Cash will disappear from your account if unused by the end of the month.

Overall, these are not benefits you can roll over for later. They are “use it or lose it” type credits.

The Platinum Card from American Express

• Up to $12.95 statement credit for a Walmart+ monthly membership (up to $155 per calendar year): Pay with The Platinum Card® from American Express, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee per month. Here’s how to enroll (subject to auto-renewal). Plus Up Benefits are not eligible. If you don’t receive the statement credit automatically, it’s worth requesting that any missing credits be applied. The easiest way is via chat (online or through the Amex app). Enrollment is required; terms apply.
• Up to $15 in Uber Cash (additional $20 in December; up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year): This can be used for Uber rides or on Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your card to your Uber account as a payment method and then redeem with any Amex card. Here’s how to use this benefit (enrollment is required; terms apply)
• Up to $20 digital entertainment statement credit (up to $240 per calendar year): This can be used for a Disney+ Bundle, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment is required in advance to receive the statement credit; terms apply. Here’s how to use this benefit.

While not a monthly benefit, cardmembers also receive two spending credits with Saks Fifth Avenue on the Amex Platinum each calendar year. From Jan. 1 through June 30 each year, you’ll receive up to $50 in statement credits, plus a separate up to $50 in statement credits from July 1 to Dec. 31, for up to $100 in Saks statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment is required in advance; terms apply.

You can use up to $300 in Equinox statement credits per calendar year. These credits apply to paying for Equinox+ or any Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal). Here’s how to use this benefit. Enrollment is required; terms apply.

These benefits and statement credits can help offset the card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Related: 10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum

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Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

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The Business Platinum Card from American Express

• Up to $10 wireless credits (up to $120 per calendar year): Pay for an eligible U.S. mobile service provider and receive a statement credit of up to $10 each month. Enrollment is required in advance; terms apply.
• Up to $50 each quarter (up to $200 per calendar year) for eligible Hilton purchases: This statement credit can be used for any eligible purchase at a property in the Hilton portfolio. Note that you must be registered in the Hilton for Business program to participate. Terms apply.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express doesn’t award credits at Saks or with Uber, but cardmembers can receive up to $1,150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. Dell purchases.

You can receive up to $150 in statement credits on U.S. purchases made directly at Dell and then an additional $1,000 statement credit after spending $5,000 or more at Dell from July 1 through Dec. 31 (and for each calendar year thereafter).

These credits help offset this card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.

Related: 9 things to do when you get the Amex Business Platinum Card

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Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

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American Express Gold Card

Use the following benefits to help offset the card’s $325 annual fee (see rates and fees):

• Up to $10 Uber Cash each month (up to $120 per calendar year): Like the perk on the Amex Platinum, this applies to Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account as a payment method to receive this benefit, and note that it can stack with the monthly credit on the Amex Platinum if you have both cards. Here’s how to use this benefit. Enrollment is required; terms apply. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method to use and redeem with any Amex card.
• Up to $10 dining statement credit (up to $120 per calendar year): Use your card to pay at The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Goldbelly, Grubhub and Wine.com to receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits. Enrollment is required in advance; terms apply. Here’s how to use this benefit.
• Up to $7 Dunkin’ credit (up to $84 per calendar year): Cardmembers receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits to be used at Dunkin’ locations within the U.S. This credit can also be used to load your mobile Dunkin’ Donuts account. Enrollment is required; terms apply.
• Up to $100 annual U.S. Resy statement credits: Cardmembers receive two up to $50 semi-annual statement credits per calendar year, one to be used from January to June and another from July to December. Statement credits can be redeemed by dining at a restaurant in the U.S. that accepts Resy reservations and paying with your Amex Gold, as well as on other eligible Resy purchases. A reservation is not required to earn the statement credit. Enrollment is required; terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.

Related: American Express Gold checklist: 5 things to do when you get the card

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Apply here: American Express Gold Card

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American Express Business Gold Card

• Up to $20 flexible business credit (up to $240 per calendar year): Cardmembers can earn up to $20 in statement credits per month on eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores. Enrollment required; terms apply.

These statement credits can easily help offset the American Express® Business Gold Card $375 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

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Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

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Delta cobranded cards

Related: How to maximize the new statement credits on the Delta Amex cards

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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

• Up to $200 Hilton Resorts credit every six months (up to $400 per calendar year): Use your Hilton Amex Aspire at participating Hilton Resorts to pay for eligible purchases, such as room charges and incidentals. This benefit is divided into two $200 semi-annual credits, one for use from January to June and another for use from July to December.
• Up to $50 in flight credits per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Pay for a flight directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com and receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for seat upgrades, award taxes and fees and to reload your United TravelBank balance.

The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

• Up to $50 Hilton credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for dining and gift store purchases at a Hilton property and online Hilton gift card purchases, even if you aren’t staying at a property. Terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton American Express Surpass® Card.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

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The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

• Up to $60 Hilton credit per quarter (up to $240 per calendar year): Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges such as dining and spa services. See our advice for the Surpass credit above. Terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.

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Apply here: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

• Up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits (up to $300 per calendar year): This card offers up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits at restaurants worldwide. You don’t need to enroll for this benefit in advance — swipe your card at an eligible restaurant, and you should receive the statement credit within a few days. Terms apply.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

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Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

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Chase

Select Chase credit cards offer perks on a monthly basis, so a new month means you have a fresh batch of credits to use.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

• $5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account, Chase will add up to $5 in credits at the beginning of each month. Note that this credit applies only for $5 off restaurant orders, and that it doesn’t roll over month to month. These credits are in addition to the card’s complimentary DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).
• $20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated Sapphire Reserve DashPass membership, cardholders receive two promos of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Only one promo may be used per order.
• $10 in Lyft credits: Cardholders will receive a $10 ride credit every month with their Sapphire Reserve, for a total of $120 in credits each year. These credits do not roll over month to month, so it’s important to use yours before the end of the month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

• $5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account and activate your complimentary DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027, Chase will provide up to $5 in credits at the beginning of each month.
• $20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated Sapphire Reserve for Business DashPass membership, receive two promos of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Only one promo may be used per order. Valid through Dec. 31, 2027.
• $10 in Lyft credits: Receive a $10 in-app credit every month, for a total of $120 in credits each year. Credits do not roll over month to month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders with an activated Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) DashPass membership, receive one promo of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout on one grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash. Activate your DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027 to use this benefit.

Cardholders can also use a $50 hotel credit each year when booking through Chase Travel℠. If you haven’t used yours yet this year, here’s how to use this benefit.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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Chase Freedom (not open to new applicants) and Chase Freedom Flex

• Up to 5% cash back: Current categories include gas and electric vehicle charging, Instacart and select live entertainment. You’ll receive 5% cash back on these categories on up to $1,500 of combined spending each quarter (then 1% back). You must activate your categories to enjoy higher earning rates. The quarter ends on Sept. 30 (and you must activate by Sept. 14), so you have until then to register and maximize these earnings.
• $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders of any Chase Freedom or Slate family cards receive one promo of up to $10 off each quarter at checkout on one grocery, convenience or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash via a DashPass membership. Your DashPass membership must be activated by Dec. 31, 2027 to receive this benefit.

Remember: Even though the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) cards are technically cash-back products, you can turn these earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you also have a premium Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve.

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United cobranded cards

• Ride-hailing credit: Several cobranded United credit cards offer varying levels of ride-hailing statement credit per month. The United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) offers up to $5 in statement credits per month, while the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees) each offer up to $8 in statement credits per month between January to November and up to $12 in statement credits in December. Meanwhile, the United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United Club℠ Business Card each offer up to $12 credits per month from January to November and up to $18 credits in December. Yearly opt-in is required in order to earn your monthly credit.
• Instacart credit: The United Club Card and United Club Business both offer two $10 monthly credits, whereas the United Quest provides one $10 and one $5 monthly credit. Meanwhile, the United Explorer and United Business each provide a $10 monthly credit. Instacart benefits end Dec. 31, 2027.

The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Current United card welcome bonuses

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Citi

Check out these must-use benefits for certain Citi cards.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) card has several benefits, including the following monthly credits:

• $10 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $10 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month.
• Up to $10 back with Grubhub: When you use your card for Grubhub purchases, you’ll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits.

To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

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Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

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Citi Dividend Card (not open to new applicants)

• 5% cash back: You can earn 5% cash back each quarter on rotating categories. Unlike other cards that limit your bonus earnings within the quarter, Citi® Dividend cardholders can earn 5% bonus cash back on up to $6,000 of spending across the year (then 1% back thereafter), meaning you could maximize your 5% earnings for the whole year during a quarter where the bonus categories are more advantageous for you. Remember to activate your current categories, which include gas stations and home improvement stores. These categories are active through Sept. 30.

The information for the Citi Dividend card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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Discover

Discover it Cash Back

• 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending on rotating categories, then unlimited 1% cash back. Remember to activate your current categories, which include gas stations, EV charging, public transit and utilities.

The information for the Discover it® Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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Learn more: Discover it Cash Back

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U.S. Bank

Have a U.S. Bank credit card? Pay close attention to this section so you don’t miss out on important benefits.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

• 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending on rotating categories (then 1% back) with your U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. You must choose your categories each quarter and activate them for the bonus to apply. The current quarter runs through Sept. 30, and categories include: cellphone providers, department stores, electronics stores, fast food, furniture stores, ground transportation, gyms/fitness centers, home utilities, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores and TV, internet and streaming services.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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Learn more: U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

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World Elite Mastercards

World Elite Mastercards have benefits that may be separate from what your card’s issuer offers.

World Elite Mastercards

Numerous banks issue a World Elite Mastercard. Common products under this umbrella include the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Chase Freedom Flex.

Here’s what cardholders can use each month on these cards:

• $5 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides: Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $5 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month. This benefit runs through Jan. 1, 2026.
• Up to $5 off monthly Peacock subscriptions: Use your eligible card to pay for a monthly Peacock streaming subscription and enjoy a $3 statement credit every month for Peacock Premium or a $5 statement credit every month for Peacock Premium Plus (the ad-free version). This benefit runs through Dec. 31.
• $10 off your second Instacart order: Join with your eligible card to enjoy two free months of Instacart+, plus $10 off your second order placed each month. This benefit runs through Aug. 31.

Related: The 9 most valuable World Elite Mastercard benefits

Bottom line

Using the perks and benefits on your credit cards is critical for maximizing their value and justifying the cards’ annual fees. Some credit cards make this easy, offering you benefits as a one-time perk to use each year. Other benefits must be used in monthly increments, and it can be easy to forget about them.

This monthly checklist of credit card perks will help you remember to use them now that it’s the start of a new month.

Related: Don’t miss out: Get perks just for signing up with these loyalty programs

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.

When I first got into the credit card rewards hobby, transferable points made the most sense to me.

My travel style has always been flexible. I don’t necessarily love any hotel chain more than another, and I’ve lived near hub cities for multiple airlines.

Rewards that I could use anywhere, any time — by transferring to a loyalty partner or booking through a travel portal — were my natural choice. I didn’t see how a cobranded card fit into my strategy.

That changed when I decided to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. Despite what you might think, I didn’t apply because I’m now a Hilton loyalist.

Since I hadn’t booked hotels yet for trips I’d planned this year, I was curious about how the card’s benefits could elevate my upcoming travel. What if I tested out loyalty to a worldwide chain with thousands of properties across multiple price points?

Here are six reasons why the Hilton Surpass finally won me over as someone who wasn’t interested in cobranded cards.

An annual fee that’s right for me

I could’ve picked up the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees). However, I didn’t want to simply dip my toes into a cobranded card membership.

Instead, I wanted to see how the Surpass’ elite status and statement credits could elevate my travel experience. The card’s $0 introductory annual fee for the first year then $150 annual fee (offer ends Aug. 13; see rates and fees) seemed like a completely reasonable rate to me considering its benefits.

Sure, it wouldn’t have as many perks as the top-tier Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which charges a $550 annual fee, but I don’t have the appetite for such a high annual fee at this point.

The information for the Hilton Honors Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

I also wasn’t as impressed with the similar cards offered by competing hotel chains at comparable annual fee rates, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees), the World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees).

Thus, I landed on the Surpass.

Related: Is the Hilton Surpass Amex card worth the annual fee?

My first elite status

Because I’ve historically been a free agent, I’ve never experienced elite status perks with any program. Receiving automatic mid-tier Hilton Gold status from a card with a modest annual fee was attractive to me.

Hilton Gold status comes with the following perks:

• A daily food-and-beverage credit or continental breakfast (depending on where you stay)
• Elite rollover nights
• The fifth night free on reward stays
• Space-available room upgrades
• An 80% points earning bonus on stays
• 10,000 bonus points every 10 nights after you’ve stayed 40 nights in a calendar year

I saw myself enjoying the bonus points, daily food-and-beverage credits and space-available room upgrades the most. The fifth-night-free perk intrigued me, too, even though it also comes with lower-level Silver status.

If you spend $40,000 in a calendar year, you also get upgraded to Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. While I don’t plan to spend that on this card, I still think spend-incentivized status for people who spend that much in a year is a nice perk.

Hilton statement credit

Statement credits are a major part of the credit card rewards hobby, and maximizing them is the best way to ensure you’re getting the most value for the annual fee. The Hilton Surpass is no exception.

The card’s up to $50 quarterly Hilton statement credit (up to $200 each calendar year) covers a wide range of purchases made directly with Hilton, including room rates, incidental charges, room service, restaurant and spa purchases and other charges at establishments within a property, like gift shops.

I felt that would be easy for me to use, and it would essentially wipe away the card’s annual fee before the year was over. I got the card in early March and already had plans to take a trip to Louisville, Kentucky, this spring, so my credit in the first quarter went toward booking three nights at Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu with cash.

I’m taking a trip to Europe later this spring and plan on using the second quarter’s credit on dining and drinks at the Canopy by Hilton London City. In the fall, I’m going to Las Vegas and will use my credit at the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World.

Related: How to maximize the statement credits on the Hilton cobranded credit cards

Bonus categories not covered by my other cards 

I love maximizing bonus categories. I use my American Express® Gold Card to buy groceries, my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) for streaming subscriptions and my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to cover purchases outside of bonus categories.

Though my wallet covers many bonus categories, I didn’t have a card that earned extra on gas or online retailers. Lucky for me, the Hilton Surpass earns 6 points per dollar spent on gas purchases at U.S. gas stations and 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. online retail purchases.

TPG’s July 2025 valuations place Hilton points at 0.5 cents per point. The points earned with my transferable rewards cards are more valuable, so I won’t be using the Surpass to pay for purchases where I earn bonus points by using other cards (such as dining and grocery purchases).

However, since I regularly spend on gas and online purchases, I’m excited to now earn more than 2 points per dollar in those categories.

Related: 5 reasons to get the Hilton Surpass Card

National Car Rental status

One of the card’s more underrated perks is its complimentary National Rental Car Emerald Club Executive status. Enrollment is required, and terms apply.

Since I often travel domestically, I see value in Executive status perks, like access to the Executive Area for full-size reservations and above in the U.S. and Canada. Plus, the status grants guaranteed upgrades and no second driver fees, which is another solid benefit for me since I often travel with another person.

I rent cars multiple times a year, so I’m excited about how this perk could amplify those experiences.

Related: Best rental car rewards programs you need to know about

Welcome bonus and redemption options

While the welcome offer varies depending on when you apply for the card, I ultimately applied when the card offered an enticing limited-time offer.

At the time, new cardmembers could earn 130,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer is no longer available.

Currently, new cardmembers earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, and a $150 annual fee after (see rates and fees).

TPG’s July 2025 valuations place the current bonus at $650. I easily decided that this was an outsize value for the annual fee.

Once I met the minimum spending requirement to earn the bonus, I started daydreaming about how I would redeem these rewards for an upcoming two-night stay in London. I used the Points Explorer tool to search for availability for properties with rates up to 65,000 points per night. Two nights would use up the 130,000-point bonus.

Because Hilton uses dynamic pricing, the value of your points can vary greatly depending on when you’re planning to take a trip. However, there is plenty of value to be found in the Hilton Honors program, especially if you have some flexibility.

For instance, I used all 130,000 bonus points from my Surpass’ welcome offer to book two nights at the Canopy by Hilton London City this spring. Then, I held onto the free night reward and decided to use it to book one night at Cosmopolita Hotel Rome, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The standard room I booked with this certificate was worth almost $629 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points.

Related: Current Hilton Amex card offers

Bottom line

A few years ago, I wasn’t sure I could ever be convinced to apply for a cobranded card. Multiple factors, such as the ones I outlined above, made the Hilton Surpass the best option for me.

In this process, I learned you don’t have to be fiercely loyal to a particular brand to find value in a cobranded card’s benefits. You just have to see how they fit into your overall card strategy.

Consider your priorities and spending habits before applying for a new card. At TPG, we encourage you to earn transferable points thanks to their value and flexibility, but you don’t have to prioritize earning this currency all the time. Diversifying your rewards portfolio is just as important.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton American Express Surpass Card.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

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For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex card, click here.

Delta Air Lines is modernizing and expanding its Sky Club network. However, the airline enacted several changes in February to significantly reduce Delta Sky Club access for some travelers. So, here’s what you need to know about the various ways you can currently get Delta Sky Club access.

Delta Sky Club access via credit cards

One easy way to get Delta Sky Club access is to hold a card that grants access. Here’s a look at when you can get access with some of the best cards for Sky Club access:

If you’re interested in a card that offers Delta Sky Club access, the Delta Reserve Amex has a limited-time welcome offer of 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. If you prefer a business card, the Delta Reserve Business Amex has a limited-time welcome offer of 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. However, both limited-time offers end July 16.

Each visit includes all access for 24 hours from your first usage. As such, one visit can include access to Delta Sky Club locations and Grab and Go locations at multiple airports within 24 hours. However, if you use a Grab and Go location, you can’t use another Grab and Go location or Sky Club at the same airport for three hours.

If you run out of visits, you can buy additional Sky Club visits for $50 per visit or additional Grab and Go visits for $25 per visit. You can also earn unlimited Sky Club visits through the end of the following Medallion year (Jan. 31) if you spend $75,000 or more during a calendar year on one of the eligible cards. Once you meet the spending requirements, you can enjoy unlimited visits for the rest of the calendar year, the following year and the first month of the following year.

Related: Inside Delta’s brand-new Sky Club in Atlanta, its nicest one yet

There are some restrictions to be aware of. You cannot access Sky Clubs when traveling on a basic economy fare. Additionally, you won’t get access until within three hours of your flight’s scheduled departure time unless you are on an eligible arriving flight.

The above cards only provide Delta Sky Club access to the cardmember. However, you can pay $50 per person ($25 per person for Grab and Go locations), per visit to bring up to two guests or your immediate family (spouse or domestic partner and children under 21). Basic cardmembers of the Delta Reserve and the Delta Reserve Business also get four one-time guest passes each program year to bring guests to Delta Sky Clubs. (You can use up to two guest passes per visit.)

Finally, if you have the Delta Reserve or the Delta Reserve Business and travel on a Delta partner airline flight not marketed or operated by Delta, you can pay $50 per visit for Delta Sky Club access ($25 per visit for Grab and Go locations).

Related: Why the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is still one of the best cards I’ve added to my wallet

Delta Sky Club membership

If you have Delta Medallion status, you can purchase a Sky Club membership with cash or Delta SkyMiles. There are two types of Delta Sky Club memberships:

• Individual membership: One-year rate of $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles
• Executive membership: One-year rate of $1,495 or 149,500 SkyMiles

These memberships provide Sky Club access when flying Delta or select partners, as long as you’re not flying on a basic economy ticket.

With an individual membership, only the member can enter the Sky Club. However, the member can pay $50 or 5,000 miles per guest, per visit ($25 or 2,500 miles per guest, per visit for Grab and Go locations) for up to two guests or immediate family members.

Meanwhile, an executive membership is handy for those who anticipate frequently bringing guests with them into the club. You can bring up to two guests or your immediate family for free. You can also bring up to two more guests for $50 or 5,000 miles per guest, per visit ($25 or 2,500 miles per guest, per visit for Grab and Go locations).

Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight

Delta Sky Club access via elite status

There are several ways you might get Delta Sky Club access as a benefit of your elite status. For example, Diamond and Platinum Medallion members get to select Choice Benefits each Medallion year.

Some of the Delta Choice Benefits can provide Delta Sky Club access as follows:

• Delta Sky Club individual membership: Diamond Medallion members can obtain this benefit with two Choice Benefit selections.
• Delta Sky Club executive membership: Diamond Medallion members can obtain this benefit with three Choice Benefit selections.

Delta Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members and up to one guest traveling in the same cabin can also access Sky Club lounges when traveling in:

• Premium Select internationally (excluding the Caribbean)
• Delta First to Mexico, Canada or Central America (or an equivalent cabin on a flight operated by a Delta partner)
• Delta One (or an equivalent cabin on a flight operated by a Delta partner)

If you are a SkyTeam Elite Plus member from another airline, you can access Delta Sky Club lounges with up to one guest before you travel on an international SkyTeam flight (excluding between the U.S. and the Caribbean) or a domestic SkyTeam flight connecting to or from an international SkyTeam flight.

There are also a few airlines that give Delta Sky Club access as an elite status benefit, including:

• LATAM: Signature Black Emerald, Black Emerald and Platinum Sapphire members and up to one guest get Delta Sky Club access when traveling on or connecting to a same-day international flight operated by Delta or LATAM.
• WestJet: Gold and Platinum members and up to one guest get Delta Sky Club access when traveling on a same-day transborder flight between the U.S. and Canada operated by Delta or WestJet.

Related: Some of our favorite ways to use Delta SkyMiles

Delta Sky Club access on premium cabin tickets

Both domestic and international Delta One (which is different from first class on Delta) passengers get Sky Club lounge access regardless of elite status or membership. The same goes for anyone flying on a same-day international first-class or business-class ticket on another SkyTeam-operated flight (though you must be confirmed in business class or first class for every segment of your journey).

You can enter the club even if you’re on a domestic Delta flight connecting to or from a same-day international Delta One flight. However, flights between the U.S. and the Caribbean aren’t considered international for lounge-access purposes.

Additionally, Delta partners with two other airlines to provide Sky Club access to their premium cabin passengers:

• LATAM: Business-class passengers can access Sky Club lounges with same-day international travel or with a connection to or from an international flight operated by Delta or LATAM.
• WestJet: Business-class passengers can access Sky Club lounges with same-day international travel or with a connection to or from an international flight operated by Delta or WestJet.

Related: These are our favorite Delta Sky Clubs in the US — and a card we love that gets you access

Bottom line

If you regularly fly Delta or live in or travel to a hub city, Sky Club access can make your travel experience much more enjoyable.

While Delta has tightened Sky Club access rules, there are still some ways to gain access as long as you avoid booking basic economy fares. For example, top-tier Diamond Medallion members can redeem Choice Benefits for a Delta Sky Club membership. At the same time, anyone with Delta elite status can still pay cash or redeem miles for a Delta Sky Club membership.

Additionally, some premium credit cards still provide a set number of complimentary Delta Sky Club visits each program year. You can also earn unlimited visits by meeting specific spending thresholds each calendar year. Here’s a list of these cards, including links to apply:

Whether you’re traveling with a large group or want a spacious kitchen where you can cook for your family, there are many reasons to choose a vacation rental over a traditional hotel room. As of this week, Chase cardholders have a new reason to stay in a vacation rental: the ability to earn or redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for their booking through the Vacation Homes program via Chase Travel℠.

Currently, only cardholders with Freedom or Ink Business cards have access to the Vacation Homes program, but Chase is expanding the program to include Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders starting in July.

Here’s what you need to know about this new travel program.

Related: I rarely stay at major hotel chains — here’s how I maximize my reward travel anyway

Chase Vacation Homes program details

For those who already have access to the Vacation Homes option, Chase Travel now offers the ability to choose from thousands of cottages, villas, cabins, beach homes, condos and apartments in destinations across the globe. When you log in to Chase Travel and choose an eligible card, you should see the option to search either “Hotels” or “Vacation Homes.”

For testing purposes, we searched for vacation rentals in Boston in early August. For each search result, we saw multiple images of the property, the rental type (apartment, etc.), how many guests it could accommodate, the nightly cash price and the all-in price in both cash and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

You’ll also see in the search results a map view that you can use to narrow down your search to a specific part of town or get a better idea of where the properties you are looking at are located. There’s an option to filter your search results to see only accommodations with certain amenities, like internet, fitness facilities, on-site parking and more.

Who is eligible to book Chase Vacation Homes?

Currently, only select cardholders will see the Vacation Homes option when they log in to Chase Travel. This includes those with the following cards:

When Vacation Homes gets a broader rollout in July, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (launching June 23) cardholders will also have access to the program.

The information for the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business has not been reviewed by the card issuer.

Related: Current Chase Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex welcome offers

If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, keep in mind that the redemption value for booking through Chase Travel will soon change, and there will be several other refreshed perks (and a higher annual fee).

How much can you earn?

Freedom and Ink cardholders can earn Ultimate Rewards points for using Vacation Homes at the same rate as booking flights or hotels. For Freedom cardholders, that means 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel. If you have one of the Chase Ink Business cards, your earning rate (if any) will vary based on which card you have.

When the Chase Sapphire Reserve personal and business cards come into the fold in July, those cards will earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases. For the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, that is a drop of 2 points per dollar from the previous earning rate, but Chase is hoping some of the card’s other new perks will woo you.

Bottom line

Now that Chase is entering the vacation rental business, travelers can book apartments, condos, beach houses and other accommodation types through the Chase Travel portal, and earn points while they do it.

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