The Elite Selection: High Annual Fee Travel Cards for Unforgettable Adventures
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When it comes to high annual fee travel cards, the rewards and benefits can take your travel experiences to new heights. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most coveted high annual fee cards in the market, with Maria's personal take on each card. Join us as we delve into their unique features and uncover why they are favorites among avid travelers.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Maria's take: My go-to card for travel purchases):
- 3x points on all travel purchases, 3x points on dining, and 10x points on Lyft rides
- $300 Annual Travel Credit to offset travel expenses
- Priority Pass™ Select membership for access to exclusive airport lounges
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Fee Credit for expedited security screening
- The Luxury Hotel & Resort CollectionSM benefits for an elevated hotel experience
- DoorDash DashPass Subscription, Instacart benefit, and Gopuff Monthly Statement Credit for added convenience
- No foreign transaction fees
- $550 annual fee ($250 effectively with the travel credit)
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Maria's take: Offers extensive benefits, but not great for earning points):
- 5x points on flights directly booked with airlines and hotels prepaid on Amex Travel
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit for streaming services and online purchases
- $200 Hotel Credit (Prepaid through Amex only) for select hotel amenities
- Centurion Lounge access for a luxurious airport experience
- $200 Uber cash each year for convenient transportation
- $200 Airline fee credit to cover incidental charges
- $100 Saks credit for shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Global Dining Access by Resy for exclusive dining experiences
- Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance for peace of mind
- $695 annual fee
3. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card (Maria's take: Good for additional travel benefits but travel partners aren't great):
- 3x points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending (including Apple Pay® and Google Pay™)
- $325 annual travel credit for qualifying travel purchases
- Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit
- Complimentary Gogo® Inflight Wi-Fi and airport Wi-Fi access
- No foreign transaction fees
- Luxury Hotel Collection benefits
- $400 annual fee
While high annual fee travel cards may come with a substantial cost, the benefits and rewards they offer can elevate your travel experiences to new heights. My take on the cards highlights the Chase Sapphire Reserve® as her top choice for its earning potential and rewards. However, each card has its own unique features and advantages, catering to different preferences and travel styles. It's important to carefully consider your travel needs, spending habits, and desired benefits before selecting the perfect high annual fee travel card for you.
Whether you prioritize earning points on travel and dining, access to exclusive airport lounges, or valuable travel credits, these high annual fee cards have something to offer. From the Chase Sapphire Reserve® with its exceptional rewards and travel perks to The Platinum Card® from American Express with its extensive benefits and offers, there is a card that can enhance your journey and make your travels even more rewarding.
Remember, while the annual fees may seem daunting at first, the value and benefits you can unlock through these cards can outweigh the costs for frequent travelers. Conduct thorough research, compare the features, and consider Maria's take as a valuable insight when making your decision.
Whichever high annual fee travel card you choose, make sure to maximize its benefits, leverage the rewards, and enjoy the elevated travel experiences that come with it. Happy travels!
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.