The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers plenty of potential value, but knowing where to start can be a challenge.

From the sign-up bonus to the travel credits, this card offers a few ways to start earning back the $395 annual fee. But you’ll need to know how to qualify and activate many of the card’s best perks to take full advantage.

1. Earn the sign-up bonus
2. Start booking your travel through Capital One
3. Apply for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
4. Find the best airport lounge near you
5. Protect your cell phone

1. Earn the sign-up bonus

The best way to maximize the value of your new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is by earning the sign-up bonus. Currently, the card offers 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases during your first 3 months of card ownership.

Those points are worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Capital One Travel. Plus, you might be able to get an even better value if you move your bonus points to one of Capital One’s transfer partners. Just make sure to do research on your options and check rewards program point values before transferring.

2. Start booking your travel through Capital One

Capital One rewards you for booking your trips and accommodations through their dedicated travel portal. 

That value starts with the card’s $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel. Depending on your booking, that credit might be enough to cover a flight or hotel stay. But keep in mind that you won’t earn rewards on bookings that use any part of the credit.

Even once you’ve earned the full credit, booking trips through Capital One Travel is one of the best ways to grow your reward balance. Purchases made through the portal earn you:

• 10 miles for every $1 on hotels and rental cars
• 5 miles for every $1 on flights and vacation rentals

Plus, you’ll earn 2 miles per $1 you get from all other purchases made with the card.

When it’s time to redeem your points for travel, you might be able to maximize your value by transferring your points to one of Capital One’s transfer partners. For purchases, though, Capital One Travel is likely your best option.

3. Apply for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides a statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, two programs that can help you get through airport security faster. 

Picking the right option for you is simple — PreCheck helps you get through TSA checks at U.S. airports, but Global Entry does that and helps speed up the security check at U.S. Customs upon entry into the country.

If you don’t already have membership in one of these programs, keep in mind that you’ll need to go through the full application process before you can use these benefits. Your credit card only covers the application fee with a statement credit — it won’t get you through the application any faster.

4. Find the best airport lounge when you fly

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card features quality airport lounge access, but you’ll want to do your research before finding the best option for your travels.

It’s smart to start your search with the flagship Capital One Lounges, which are open in airports around New York City, Washington, D.C., Dallas and elsewhere. Your card provides complimentary access, but you may want to sign to secure access via the Capital One app before your arrival.

If you’re not at an airport with a Capital One Lounge, you’ll also have access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. With these lounges, you’ll also be able to bring two complimentary guests per visit — but you must at the Priority Pass website for access to those lounges.

5. Protect your cell phone

Paying your cell phone bill with your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can provide extra peace of mind.

When you pay that monthly bill with your card, you could be reimbursed up to $800 if your phone is stolen or damaged. 

You might not ever need to use this coverage, but getting in the habit of paying your cell phone bill with your new card could end up being a big benefit in the future.

Next steps

Your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with other benefits, like a $100 experience credit at certain hotels booked through Capital One Travel. But the perks we’ve called out above are most likely to help you find value early in your card membership.

Once you start using your card more often, you might find it has some gaps you’d like to fill. For instance, if you’re looking to maximize your rewards balance for redemptions, you may want to add another Capital One card to improve on any non-travel rewards rates you get from this card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers plenty of potential value, but knowing where to start can be a challenge.

From the sign-up bonus to the travel credits, this card offers a few ways to start earning back your $550 annual fee. But you’ll need to know how to qualify and activate many of the card’s best perks to take full advantage.

1. Earn the sign-up bonus
2. Earn your $300 travel credit
3. Start booking your travel through Chase
4. Apply for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
5. Find the best airport lounge when you fly
6. Add your card to a DoorDash account
7. Learn the bonus spending categories

1. Earn the sign-up bonus

The best way to maximize the value of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is to earn the sign-up bonus. Currently, the card offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months after your account opens.

Those points are worth $900 when redeemed for travel through Chase, but you might get even more value from your bonus if you transfer to one of their partner programs. Just make sure you check available redemptions and assess Credit Karma’s estimated point values before deciding how to use your rewards.

2. Earn your $300 travel credit

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® features a flexible $300 annual travel credit. The credit covers all qualifying travel purchases, not just what you book through the Chase Travel portal.

Plus, the definition of “travel” is loose enough that you should be able to earn the full value relatively quickly. It includes not only flights and hotels, but also some purchases that you might not think of like car rentals, cruises, trains, ferries, buses, taxis, tolls, parking garages, and campgrounds.

Just keep in mind that you won’t earn any rewards on purchases that use the travel credit.

3. Start booking your travel through Chase

Even though you can earn your travel credit with non-Chase bookings, it may still pay off to start booking your travel through Chase early in your card membership.

Your Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 3 points per $1 on travel purchases (after you finish using your $300 travel credit). But when you book through Chase Travel, you’ll earn higher rates on certain purchases (also after earning the credit):

• 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals
• 5 points per $1 on flights

Your redemptions get a bonus with Chase Travel, too — your points are worth 50% more toward travel reservations.

4. Apply for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS

Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS, three programs that can help you move through airport security faster.

Picking the right option for you is simple. PreCheck helps you get through TSA checks at U.S. airports, but Global Entry does that and helps speed up the security check at U.S. Customs upon entry into the country. Meanwhile, NEXUS includes the ability to gain expedited customs service when entering Canada.

If you don’t already have membership in one of these programs, keep in mind that you’ll need to go through the full application process before you can use these benefits. Your credit card only covers the application fee with a statement credit — it won’t get you through the application any faster.

5. Find the best airport lounge when you fly

Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes access to numerous airport lounges, but you’ll want to do your research to find the best option for your travels.

It’s smart to start your search with the flagship Chase Sapphire Lounges, which are currently available in major U.S. airports near New York City, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Of course, you’ll also have access to other, non-Chase lounges in other airports around the world with your complimentary Priority Pass membership. But you must enroll with Priority Pass for access to these lounges.

6. Add your card to a DoorDash account

If you order delivery often, Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides the potential for considerable value with a complimentary membership to DoorDash’s DashPass service. 

DashPass provides $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders with DoorDash and Caviar, and you’ll get it for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027. 

Plus, you’ll also get $5 in order credits and another $20 in credits on two non-restaurant DoorDash orders (up to $10 each) every month. 

To earn these perks, you’ll need to add your card as your default payment method on both DoorDash and Caviar, and then click the activation button.

Even if you don’t use delivery services regularly, these DoorDash benefits could prove useful enough to save you a bit of money here and there.

7. Learn the bonus spending categories

While perks and credits are great ways to get value from your Chase Sapphire Reserve® early in your card membership, maximizing value over time will require you to have enough points on hand to redeem for travel. 

And the best way to earn points to do that is by building your rewards balance with purchases in your card’s bonus spending categories. You’ll earn:

• 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 10 points on qualifying Lyft rides through March 2025
• 10 points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards
• 5 points per $1 on flights booked through Chase Travel (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 3 points per $1 dining at restaurants (including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out)
• 3 points per $1 on other travel purchases (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

It’s possible that you have another card that gets you more value in one of these categories, and it won’t be right for everyone to shift all their spending to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Next steps

Your Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with other benefits, but the perks we’ve called out above are most likely to help you find value early in your card membership.

Once you start using your card more, you might find it has some gaps you’d like to fill. For instance, if you’re looking to maximize your rewards balance for redemptions, you may want to apply for another Chase card to add some bonus spending categories not available on this card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers plenty of potential value, but knowing how to take full advantage of all its perks and credits can be a challenge.

From the welcome bonus to the numerous travel credits, this card offers numerous ways to start earning back your $695 annual fee. But you’ll need to know how to qualify and activate many of the card’s best features to get full value.

1. Earn the welcome bonus
2. Start booking travel through American Express
3. Activate your airline incidental fee credit
4. Take advantage of the airport security credits
5. Find the best airport lounge when you fly
6. Activate your digital entertainment credits
7. Activate your monthly Uber Cash

1. Earn the welcome bonus

The best way to maximize the value of your Platinum Card® from American Express in your first few months of card ownership is to earn the welcome bonus. The card currently offers 80,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases in your first 6 months of card ownership.

Those points are worth $800 when redeemed for travel through American Express, which could be enough to cover a first redemption for a flight or hotel stay. You could get even more value from your welcome bonus if you transfer your points to one of American Express’s travel partners, but you’ll want to check available redemptions and estimated point values before making that choice.

2. Start booking travel through American Express

Apart from the welcome bonus, the best way to start building up your rewards balance is to book your flights and hotel stays through American Express Travel. You’ll get:

• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per $1)
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

Plus, you can earn extra value on hotel bookings when you make eligible bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection.

The Platinum Card® from American Express gives you up to $200 in statement credits each year on select prepaid bookings at these eligible hotels. You might also have access to perks like early check in, late check out, room upgrades and additional property credits.

Finding an eligible hotel might take some work, but those statement credits and extra benefits could be worth the effort.

3. Activate your airline incidental fee credit

The Platinum Card® from American Express gives you up to $200 in statement credits each year to cover incidental airline fees, like checked baggage fees.

The catch is it can only be used at one airline of your choice, and you’ll need to activate your pick to start earning the credit. To select your airline, go to the “Benefits” section of your online account or call the number on the back of your card.

4. Take advantage of the airport security credits

Your Platinum Card® from American Express features a fantastic combo of airport security credits, but you’ll need to activate your memberships to take full advantage.

Like some of its competitors, the card offers a statement credit of up to $120 every four years when you apply for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. 

Picking the right program for you is simple — both programs get you through the physical security portion of TSA screening faster, but only Global Entry also offers expedited service when you go through U.S. customs. And keep in mind that this credit only covers the application fee — you’ll still need to go through the full application process like everyone else.

If you really want to speed up your airport security experience, you’ll also want to take advantage of the card’s annual $199 statement credit for a Clear® Plus membership, which will speed up the identification verification process at participating airports. 

You can start your Clear Plus enrollment online before your next flight and complete the process at a participating security checkpoint.

5. Find the best airport lounge when you fly

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers excellent airport lounge access, but you’ll want to do your research before finding the best option for your travels.

It’s smart to start your search with the Centurion Lounge Network, which is available in airports in most major U.S. cities and several more internationally. To enter these lounges, you’ll need to present your card, a same-day boarding pass and a physical government-issued ID.

If a Centurion Lounge isn’t available at your airport or terminal, you can still gain complimentary access through The Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,400 lounges around the world. Just keep in mind that you may need to activate the individually included lounge memberships before arriving to get inside.

6. Activate your digital entertainment credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express provides useful digital entertainment credits, but activating them requires some work. 

You’ll get a $20 monthly statement credit for digital entertainment subscriptions with a selection of services like Disney+, Hulu and The New York Times, but you’ll have to activate the credits in the Benefits section of your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card. 

After activation, the credit will only apply to purchases made directly with the service provider. And because the credit is applied monthly, you might want to avoid signing up for annual subscriptions.

Your card also provides another digital entertainment credit, but it’s somewhat hidden. When you sign up for a Walmart+ account, you’ll get a monthly $12.95 statement credit to cover the cost of membership. That membership also includes a Paramount+ Essential subscription, but you’ll need to register for that service separately (with instructions provided by Walmart).

7. Activate your monthly Uber Cash

You can get $15 in Uber Cash each month and a bonus $20 in December with your Platinum Card® from American Express, which could save you up to $200 a year on Uber rides and Uber Eats. You’ll also earn automatic Uber VIP status when available.

This perk is easy to use — all you have to do is add your card as your payment method on your Uber or Uber Eats app. But unused value won’t carry over from month to month.

If you’re not in the habit of using Uber, this perk might not seem valuable. But you should be able to get a good chunk of the value every month even if you make only one Uber Eats order or take just one Uber ride.

Next steps

Your Platinum Card® from American Express comes with other benefits, like a $50 credit at Saks every six months. But the perks we’ve called out above are most likely to help you find value early in your card membership.

Once you start using your card more often, you might find it has some gaps you’d like to fill. For instance, if you’re looking to maximize your rewards balance for redemptions, you may want to add another American Express card to improve on any non-travel rewards rates you get from this card.

Editors’ tip: The best cash back rewards card for you will be a natural fit for your spending habits and lifestyle. To help you out, we share our top cash back picks.

Best for everyday spending: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

From our partner

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

3.6 out of 5

1982 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great all-around cash back credit card with popular bonus categories and a high rate for all other purchases.

Pros

• Bonus categories cover a wide range of everyday spending
• 1.5% back on all other purchases raises your rewards floor
• $0 annual fee

Cons

• Bonus categories might not fit everyone’s spending habits
• Current sign-up bonus offer requires lots of spending to earn full value

Best for rotating bonus rewards: Chase Freedom Flex℠

From our partner

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Flex℠

3.3 out of 5

42 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

Learn More

Here’s why: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ takes the bonus categories of Chase Freedom Unlimited® and adds variety with a top category that changes every quarter.

Pros

• 5% back on up to the first $1,500 you spend each quarter in rotating bonus categories (when activated)
• Additional bonus categories provide consistent ongoing value
• $0 annual fee

Cons

• Rotating categories aren’t guaranteed to fit your spending
• Other bonus categories might not match your lifestyle

Best for simple cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card

From our partner

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

2.9 out of 5

1373 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: Earning cash back couldn’t be any easier than with the Citi Double Cash® Card, which provides the same cash back rate on all purchases.

Pros

• Earn 2% back on every purchase — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay
• $0 annual fee
• Sign-up bonus and intro balance transfer offer additional value

Cons

• Other cash back cards offer potentially higher rewards
• Split rewards earning structure not right for everyone
• Mixing rewards and intro balance transfer offer might get complicated

Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Here’s why: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express boasts the highest grocery rewards rate on the market.

Pros

• Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1%).
• Earn 6% cash back on certain popular U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and 3% back on various forms of transit

Cons

• Has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95, which will eat into your rewards
• Spending cap on grocery rewards limits your potential value

Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.1 out of 5

100 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card provides high cash back rates on purchases you might make during a night out, or to plan for a fun night in.

Pros

• Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and groceries (except at superstores like Target and Walmart)
• Earn 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1% on all other purchases
• $0 annual fee

Cons

• Some bonus categories come with spending restrictions

Best for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.5 out of 5

923 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card gives people with fair credit a chance to earn cash back.

Pros

• Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make
• Periodic reviews for potential credit limit increase

Cons

• $39 annual fee will cut into your rewards value
• Credit limit increases not guaranteed

Best for gas: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

From our partner

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

2.9 out of 5

281 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers you more cash back to fill up your tank at other gas stations than it does to shop inside a Costco store.

Pros

• 4% cash back on gas and electric vehicle charging (including eligible non-Costco stations) on up to the first $7,000 you spend each year (then 1%)
• Earn 3% back on dining and travel (including Costco purchases), 2% on all other Costco purchases and 1% on all other purchases
• $0 annual fee with active Costco membership

Cons

• Must have active Costco membership to apply
• Rewards issued only once per year and must be used at Costco

The best cash back rewards card for you will be a natural fit for your spending habits and lifestyle. Do you spend a lot on gas? Order out often? Is most of your spending in one category or across several? These are just a few questions that could help you find your ideal card. To help you out, we share our top cash back picks in several key categories.

Best for simple cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card

From our partner

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

2.9 out of 5

1373 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: Earning cash back couldn’t be any more straightforward than with the Citi Double Cash® Card.

You’ll earn 2% back on every purchase at a $0 annual fee. The rate includes 1% back when you make a purchase, plus another 1% back when you make your monthly payment.

Best for everyday spending: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

From our partner

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

3.6 out of 5

1982 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great all-around cash back credit card, with a $0 annual fee and generous cash back in bonus categories that cover a wide range of everyday spending.

Cash back bonus categories include 5% on travel bookings made through Chase Travel and 3% back at restaurants and drugstores. For everything else, you’ll still get a strong 1.5% back.

Best for rotating bonus rewards: Chase Freedom Flex℠

From our partner

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Flex℠

3.3 out of 5

42 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

Learn More

Here’s why: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ takes the bonus categories of Chase Freedom Unlimited® and adds variety with a top category that changes every quarter.

You could earn 5% cash back on up to the first $1,500 you spend each quarter in combined purchases in a revolving series of bonus categories (that you must activate every time). These categories may include everything from groceries to popular online shopping destinations.

Within the consistent categories, you’ll get 5% back on travel purchases booked through Chase Travel and 3% back at restaurants and drugstores, plus 1% back on all other purchases. It also features a $0 annual fee.

Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Here’s why: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express boasts the highest grocery rewards rate on the market.

You’ll earn a whopping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1%).

Elsewhere, you’ll earn 6% cash back on certain popular U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% back on various forms of transit, and 1% back on all other purchases.

You’ll just have to weigh all this potential cash back against the annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.1 out of 5

100 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card provides a decent cash back rate on purchases you might make during a night out, or to plan for a fun night at home.

You’ll earn in a number of bonus categories with a $0 annual fee.

• 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and groceries (except at superstores like Target and Walmart)
• 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1% on all other purchases

Best for gas: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

From our partner

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

2.9 out of 5

281 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers you more cash back to fill up your tank at other gas stations than it does to shop inside a Costco store.

You’ll earn a whopping 4% cash back on gas and electric vehicle charging purchases (including at eligible non-Costco gas stations) on up to the first $7,000 you spend each year (then 1%).

You’ll also get 3% back on dining and travel (including purchases made from Costco), 2% cash back on all other Costco purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

The annual fee is $0, but you must be a Costco member to apply.

Best for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.5 out of 5

923 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card gives people with fair credit a chance to earn cash back while building credit.

You’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make. Plus, Capital One will periodically review your account for a credit line increase.

Unfortunately, it also comes with a $39 annual fee that can eat into the cash back you earn. But if you’re prioritizing building credit, the cost could be worth it.

The best cash back rewards card for you will be a natural fit for your spending habits and lifestyle. Do you spend a lot on gas? Order out often? Is most of your spending in one category or across several? These are just a few questions that could help you find your ideal card. To help you out, we share our top cash back picks in several key categories.

Best for simple cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card

From our partner

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

2.9 out of 5

1373 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: Earning cash back couldn’t be any easier than with the Citi Double Cash® Card, which provides the same cash back rate on all purchases.

Pros

• Earn 2% back on every purchase — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay
• $0 annual fee
• Sign-up bonus and intro balance transfer offer add additional value

Cons

• Other cash back cards offer potentially higher rewards
• Split rewards earning structure not right for everyone
• Mixing rewards and intro balance transfer offer might get complicated

Best for everyday spending: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

From our partner

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

3.6 out of 5

1982 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great all-around cash back credit card with popular bonus categories and a high rate for all other purchases.

Pros

• Bonus categories cover a wide range of everyday spending
• 1.5% back on all other purchases raises your rewards floor
• $0 annual fee

Cons

• Bonus categories might not fit everyone’s spending habits
• Current sign-up bonus offer requires lots of spending to earn full value

Best for rotating bonus rewards: Chase Freedom Flex℠

From our partner

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Flex℠

3.3 out of 5

42 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

Learn More

Here’s why: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ takes the bonus categories of Chase Freedom Unlimited® and adds variety with a top category that changes every quarter.

Pros

• 5% back on up to the first $1,500 you spend each quarter in rotating bonus categories (when activated)
• Additional bonus categories provide consistent ongoing value
• $0 annual fee

Cons

• Rotating categories aren’t guaranteed to fit your spending
• Other bonus categories might not match your lifestyle

Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Here’s why: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express boasts the highest grocery rewards rate on the market.

Pros

• Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1%)
• Earn 6% cash back on certain popular U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, and 3% back on various forms of transit

Cons

• Has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95, which will eat into your rewards
• Spending cap on grocery rewards limits your potential value

Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.1 out of 5

100 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card provides high cash back rates on purchases you might make during a night out, or to plan for a fun night in.

Pros

• Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and groceries (except at superstores like Target and Walmart)
• Earn 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1% on all other purchases
• $0 annual fee

Cons

• Some bonus categories come with spending restrictions

Best for gas: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

From our partner

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

2.9 out of 5

281 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers you more cash back to fill up your tank at other gas stations than it does to shop inside a Costco store.

Pros

• 4% cash back on gas and electric vehicle charging (including eligible non-Costco stations) on up to the first $7,000 you spend each year (then 1%)
• Earn 3% back on dining and travel (including Costco purchases), 2% on all other Costco purchases and 1% on all other purchases
• $0 annual fee with active Costco membership

Cons

• Must have active Costco membership to apply
• Rewards issued only once per year and must be used at Costco

Best for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.5 out of 5

923 reviews

Apply Now

Here’s why: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card gives people with fair credit a chance to earn cash back.

Pros

• Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make
• Periodic reviews for potential credit limit increase

Cons

• $39 annual fee will cut into your rewards value
• Credit limit increases not guaranteed

Is the Platinum Card® from American Express worth the annual fee?

The Platinum Card® from American Express charges a $695 annual fee, which is on the high side, even for a premium rewards card. But it’s hard to beat for the sheer scope of benefits offered.

There are plenty of different ways to get value, from its best-in-class airport lounge memberships to lucrative shopping and entertainment credits.

But unlike some other cards, the Platinum Card® from American Express gets much of its value from specific, branded credits that won’t appeal to everyone.

It’s important to approach this card with a plan for which benefits you want to use and how you intend to use them. If you do, you could end up earning enough.

The most exciting Platinum Card® from American Express benefits

American Express Global Lounge Collection memberships

The Platinum Card® from American Express is perhaps best known for its world-class airport lounges. If you want to maximize the lounges available to you at any airport you may visit, this card is well worth a look.

You’ll have access to more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world through the American Express Global Lounge Collection network, including the Centurion Lounge and Priority Pass™ lounges.

Airport and airline credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express features three credits for frequent flyers.

You’ll be eligible for a $200 airline incidental fee credit, a $199 Clear® credit, and a credit for up to $120 for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee every four years (or 4.5 years if you opt for TSA PreCheck).

Unfortunately, you must choose one qualifying airline for the incidental fee credit, and it can’t be used to book your ticket or upgrade your seat. Some people might have a hard time using all $200 of the credit on purchases like baggage fees and in-flight drinks.

On the other hand, combining Clear® with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® could help you breeze through airport security.

Uber Cash

With the Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll get a total of $200 each year in Uber Cash.

Unfortunately, you can’t use your Uber Cash all at once. It’s split up into $15 monthly increments (plus an extra $20 in December), and a leftover balance won’t carry over to the next month if you don’t use it.

Digital entertainment credit

The Platinum Card® from American Express also offers a $240 digital entertainment credit.

The digital entertainment credit is once again split up into $20 monthly increments that don’t carry over from month to month.

You won’t be able to apply it to all popular streaming services, so it’s worth checking the official list to see if your favorite apps are covered.

Hotel credits and perks

You’ll receive a $200 hotel credit each year when you book a prepaid stay through American Express Travel at a property owned by Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection.

On top of the hotel credit, you’ll be eligible for room upgrades, early check in and other bonuses with Fine Hotels + Resorts properties.

When you stay at properties owned by The Hotel Collection, you’ll get an additional experience credit worth $100, which can be used on amenities.

On top of these credits, the card makes you eligible for complimentary Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status.

More Platinum Card® from American Express benefits

Fitness credits

You’ll be eligible for an annual $300 Equinox credit to help pay for a digital Equinox+ or physical club membership, plus a $300 SoulCycle credit each time you purchase an at-home bike (which is only eligible to people with an Equinox+ membership).

These benefits can be great for fitness enthusiasts who already use Equinox and SoulCycle, but the cost of membership with these brands dwarf the value of the credits.

Shopping perks

You’ll get a monthly statement credit for the full $12.95 cost of Walmart+, which offers free shipping and deliveries on eligible orders and a subscription to Paramount+, among other perks.

You’ll also get $50 in Saks statement credits semiannually (for a total potential value of $100 per year).

Cellphone protection

When you pay your monthly phone bill with your card, you’ll be covered for up to $800 per claim (with a $50 deductible) if your phone is stolen or broken.

Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the annual fee?

While other cards provide more potential value, the beauty of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is its straightforwardness. This card doesn’t require a lot of strategizing — the benefits are easy to use and flexible enough for most travelers.

In fact, the card is likely to be worth the $395 annual fee even if you don’t use airport lounge access and other potentially valuable benefits. As long as you book one trip through Capital One Travel, the annual travel credit and card anniversary bonus miles can provide at least $400 in value every year.

If you’re interested in getting a taste of what premium rewards cards are all about but don’t want to shell out for an expensive annual fee that might not be so easy to cover, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card might be a strong choice.

The most valuable Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card benefits

$300 annual travel credit

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card features a $300 annual travel credit. You can use the travel credit to pay for flights, hotels and rental cars booked directly through Capital One Travel.

The ability to use this credit on common travel purchases gives cardholders both straightforward value and the confidence to know they’re likely to use it every year. And the full credit goes a long way towards covering the card’s annual fee on its own.

10,000 anniversary bonus miles

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also gives you 10,000 bonus miles each year to celebrate your account renewal. The best part? There’s no spending requirement to earn this anniversary bonus — all you have to do is keep the card open.

Airport lounge access

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also grants you access to multiple airport lounge networks to enjoy while you wait for your flights.

This includes complimentary access to the issuer’s Capital One Lounges, which would otherwise cost $90 per visit. But keep in mind that there are currently only a handful of Capital One Lounges currently open in U.S. airports.

You’ll also receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which can get you into more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world.

More Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card benefits

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a handful of other benefits that might interest you.

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee statement credit — Like with some other travel cards, you’ll have your application fee covered when you use your card to apply for one of these expedited airport security programs, up to $120 every four years.
• Cellphone protection — When you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card, Capital One provides coverage of up to $800 if your phone is stolen or damaged.
• Hertz President’s Circle® status — Not everyone needs to rent a car, but this status can help you get car upgrades and other amenities when you rent with Hertz.
• No foreign transactions fees — We consider this feature a must-have for any travel card, no matter the annual fee.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® worth the annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® charges a $550 annual fee, which is on the high side — even for a premium rewards card. But it also offers some of the best perks out there.

The $300 annual travel credit makes it easy to cover more than half of the annual fee without much work, and the airport lounge access and delivery credits can provide considerable value.

And that value doesn’t even include what you get from the card’s valuable rewards points redeemable through Chase Travel℠.

The most valuable Chase Sapphire Reserve® benefits

$300 flexible travel credit

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® features a $300 annual travel credit, and it’s one of the most useful benefits you’ll find on any premium rewards card.

Unlike some other credits, this one has very few restrictions on its use and automatically applies to your travel purchases. The credit works for practically any travel purchase you can imagine, including flights, hotels, and less obvious categories like transportation and rideshares.

Airport lounge access

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also comes with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership (with required one-time activation), which allows access to more than 1,500 airport lounges around the world for the cardholder and two guests.

This benefit can be valuable, but some premium rewards cards offer Priority Pass membership and additional, more-exclusive lounge access.

Food delivery perks

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also features perks from popular food delivery apps.

You’ll receive a complimentary DashPass membership for DoorDash, which also includes $5 in DoorDash credits each month, for a minimum of one year. DashPass offers $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders, and it usually costs $9.99 per month.

More Chase Sapphire Reserve® benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also comes with a handful of lesser-known travel perks that could make or break your trip.

• Airport security program credits — When you apply for an expedited airport security program like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus, you’ll receive a credit of up to $120 every four years. Similar travel program credits are available on many travel cards, but they’re still nice to have.
• Hotel perks — You’ll be eligible for complimentary room upgrades and more when you book a room at a property included in The Edit (previously the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection), which includes some of the top hotels and resorts around the world.
• Travel insurance and protections — When you book your trip with your card, you’ll be eligible for a variety of travel insurance coverages and protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and more.
• Car rental discounts — When you rent a car from Avis, National or Silvercar, you’ll be eligible for discounts and complimentary upgrades to a nicer vehicle.
• No foreign transaction fees — Because there are no foreign transaction fees, this card is a good option to bring when you’re traveling internationally.

The ongoing benefits of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card may end up paying for the card’s $395 annual fee by themselves.

The card’s benefits are worth an estimated $1,089 per year as of May 2022, according to Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value. This makes it one of the most valuable premium rewards card in our rankings.

While other cards provide more potential value, the beauty of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is its straightforwardness. This card doesn’t require a lot of strategizing — the benefits are easy to use and flexible enough for most travelers.

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• The 3 most valuable Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card benefits
• More Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card benefits
• Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the annual fee?
• Alternatives to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The 3 most valuable Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card benefits

Annual travel credit: $300

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card features a $300 annual travel credit. You can use the travel credit to pay for flights, hotels and rental cars booked directly through Capital One Travel.

The ability to use this credit on common travel purchases gives cardholders both straightforward value and the confidence to know they’re likely to use it every year. And the full credit goes a long way towards covering the card’s annual fee on its own.

10,000 anniversary bonus miles: $108

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also gives you 10,000 bonus miles each year to celebrate your account renewal. The best part? There’s no spending requirement to earn this anniversary bonus — all you have to do is keep the card open.

We estimate the anniversary bonus could be worth $108 when transferred to one of Capital One’s travel transfer partners, based on Credit Karma’s point valuations. Of course, if you prefer to take the simpler approach and redeem it directly through Capital One Travel, it could still be worth a decent $100.

Airport lounge access: $591

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also grants you access to multiple airport lounge networks to enjoy while you wait for your flights.

This includes complimentary access to the issuer’s Capital One Lounges, which would otherwise cost $90 per visit. But keep in mind that there are currently only a handful of Capital One Lounges currently open in U.S. airports.

You’ll also receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which can get you into more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world.

As with any benefit, it’s important to keep in mind that airport lounge access is only worth something if you plan to use it. If you usually show up at the airport at the last possible moment before your flight, you might not get much value here.

More Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card benefits

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a handful of other benefits that might interest you.

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee statement credit — Like with some other travel cards, you’ll have your application fee covered when you use your card to apply for one of these expedited airport security programs, up to $120 every four years. This benefit isn’t exclusive or particularly noteworthy for a high-end travel card, but it’s another way to get simple value from your card membership.
• Cellphone protection — When you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card, Capital One provides coverage of up to $800 if your phone is stolen or damaged. We don’t include that $800 limit in our Total Benefit Value calculations, but it’s a useful benefit if you ever happen to need it.
• Hertz President’s Circle® status — Not everyone needs to rent a car, but this status can help you get car upgrades and other amenities when you rent with Hertz.
• No foreign transactions fees — We consider this feature a must-have for any travel card, no matter the annual fee.

Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the annual fee?

Believe it or not, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card’s $395 annual fee is relatively affordable for a premium rewards card. Better yet, the card’s straightforward benefits make it easy to determine if you’ll get your money’s worth.

With access to $1,089 in recurring credits and benefits that are flexible and easy to use, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can pay for itself — given you make use of them each year.

For that matter, the card is likely to be worth the annual fee even if you don’t use airport lounge access and other potentially valuable benefits. As long as you book one trip through Capital One Travel, the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 card anniversary bonus miles can provide at least $400 in value every year.

If you’re interested in getting a taste of what premium rewards cards are all about but don’t want to shell out for an expensive annual fee that might not be so easy to cover, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card might be a strong choice.

Alternatives to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card isn’t for you, here are a few more cards that might be a better fit.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card comes with a more flexible annual travel credit and numerous partner benefits.
• Platinum Card® from American Express: If you don’t mind putting in a little effort, this card is loaded with benefits and perks to choose from.
• American Express® Gold Card: This card features a few travel benefits, but its best value comes from its dining and delivery credits.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: You won’t get the same wealth of benefits, but the straightforward rewards make it one of our favorite entry-level travel cards.

These days, there are a lot of premium rewards cards to choose from. And with annual fees of several hundred dollars each, these cards don’t come cheap.

At that high cost, it’s hard to decide whether these luxury cards are worth it. But believe it or not, the benefits these cards offer can be worth way more than the annual fees they charge — if you know how to make the most out of those benefits.

In fact, the most valuable premium rewards card features benefits that could be worth nearly $5,000 per year. Of course, you might not use every single one of those benefits, but as long as you use enough to offset the annual fee, the card might be worth it for you.

Let’s take a closer look at the seven most valuable premium rewards cards based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: $4,822 Total Benefit Value
• Platinum Card® from American Express: $4,293 Total Benefit Value
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $1,781 Total Benefit Value
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: $1,738.50 Total Benefit Value
• United Club℠ Infinite Card: $1,337.90 Total Benefit Value
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $1,146 Total Benefit Value
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: $1,089 Total Benefit Value

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: $4,822 Total Benefit Value

Here’s why: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card tops our list of the most valuable premium rewards cards. We estimate it’s worth a mind-boggling $4,822 as of May 2022, based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value. This card’s first-class perks are what really boost its overall value.

• First-class upgrades: $2,200 — If you don’t want to shell out for a first-class ticket, you could cross your fingers and hope for an upgrade. The complimentary upgrades perk is available to all cardholders, even if you don’t have Delta Medallion status. It’s based on availability, but you’ll also have upgrade priority, which improves your chances of getting a more comfortable seat.

Even with a $650 annual fee, this card offers clear value for anyone who flies Delta at least once a year — especially when traveling in first class.

Check out reviews of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to learn more.

Platinum Card® from American Express: $4,293 Total Benefit Value

Here’s why: The Platinum Card® from American Express is a well-rounded premium rewards card that offers a combination of travel and lifestyle perks. We estimate it’s worth $4,293 as of May 2022, based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value.

• Airport lounges: $1,365 — You’ll have access to some of the most exclusive airport lounges in the world, including the Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass lounges and more.
• Hotel credits: $850 — You’ll be pampered with amenities like hotel credits, room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout and free breakfast when you stay at any luxury hotel that’s part of the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection networks.
• Fitness credits: $600 — You’ll get credits for purchasing an Equinox monthly membership and a SoulCycle bike.
• Digital entertainment credit: $240 — You’ll receive up to $20 each month in use-it-or-lose-it funds to pay for certain digital entertainment and news platforms.
• Cruise discounts: $300 — You could earn shipboard credits that are applied to your room when you book a cruise of at least five nights through American Express.

While you’re unlikely to use every single benefit the Platinum Card® from American Express offers, you might not have too much trouble finding enough practical perks to offset the $695 annual fee.

Learn more about the benefits of the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $1,781 Total Benefit Value

Here’s why: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers phenomenal value to hotel guests. Even if you only go on vacation once a year, we estimate it’s worth $1,781 as of May 2022, based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value.

• Weekend night reward: $720 — Believe it or not, this is actually a relatively conservative estimate of how much Hilton’s free night is worth. Considering the perk can be redeemed at some of the most exclusive Hilton resorts on the planet, you might even be able to use it for a room that costs more than $2,000 per night. And despite the name, you can redeem your weekend night reward on weekdays, too. This is one of the most valuable perks offered by any premium rewards card.
• Hilton resort statement credit: $250 — This is the perfect complement to Hilton’s free night reward. You can use this statement credit to extend your stay by paying for another night — or use it to cover additional hotel charges you rack up.
• Property credit: $100 — Anytime you book at least a two-night stay at one of Hilton’s Waldorf or Conrad properties, you can use this credit to treat yourself to a spa day, fancy dinner, drinks, or hotel-sponsored activities and excursions.

If you want a good night’s rest at a fancy Hilton resort, don’t sleep on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The benefits are relevant for most travelers, easy to use, and worth almost four times as much as the $450 annual fee.

Take a look at our review of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to learn more.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: $1,738.50 Total Benefit Value

Here’s why: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card could elevate your hotel experience. Based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value, we estimate it’s worth $1,738.50 as of May 2022, even if you only stay at Marriott once a year.

• Free night award: $773.50 — This is the most valuable free night award Marriott has to offer because it can be redeemed at some of the brand’s most luxurious hotels. Just like with Hilton, it could be worth even more than our estimate, depending on where you redeem it.
• Marriott Bonvoy property credit: $100 — Whenever you book a stay of two nights or longer at one of Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties, you’ll receive a property credit that can enhance your experience with things like a fancy dinner, room service, drinks, activities or a day at the spa.
• Dining credit: $300 — This card offers value for more than just hotel purchases. The monthly dining credit offers practical benefits on everyday purchases — not just when you’re staying at Marriott.

Considering how valuable all these benefits are, as long as you stay at Marriott at least once a year, the $650 annual fee could be well worth it.

Find out more in our review of the N/A.

United Club℠ Infinite Card: $1,337.90 Total Benefit Value

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Here’s why: The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a great choice for frequent flyers who spend a lot of time in airports. We estimate it’s worth $1,337.90 as of May 2022, based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value.

• United Club membership: $650 — If you enjoy relaxing at United Club lounges, you’ll love the unlimited access you get with this card.
• Award flight discounts: $102.90 — You could save 10% when you use your United MileagePlus miles to book United Economy Saver award flights.
• Free checked bags: $360 — You get two free checked bags when you fly on United, so it’s slightly more valuable than what other airline cards offer (typically just one free checked bag), particularly for people who pack their entire closet for vacation.

Considering the United Club℠ Infinite Card charges a $525 annual fee, it really only makes sense for frequent flyers who live out of their suitcase, bouncing around from airport to airport. You can learn more in our review of the United Club℠ Infinite Card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $1,146 Total Benefit Value

Here’s why: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the most flexible premium rewards benefits. We estimate it’s worth $1,146 as of May 2022, based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value.

• Travel credit: $300 — This is the most flexible travel credit you’ll find. While some other premium rewards cards place a lot of restrictions on their travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® automatically reimburses you for almost any travel purchase you can imagine.
• Airport lounges: $461 — You’ll receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. With so many lounges available, you have a good chance of finding one wherever you fly.

The $550 annual fee isn’t cheap, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s premium benefits could make the card worth it for anyone who travels at least once a year and frequently orders food delivery.

Find out more in reviews of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and see how it compares to the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: $1,089 Total Benefit Value

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Here’s why: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward premium rewards card that comes with next-level perks that are not only valuable, but also practical and easy to use. We estimate it’s worth $1,089 as of May 2022, based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value.

• Travel credit: $300 — When you book your trip directly through Capital One, you’ll receive up to $300 each year in travel credits to spend on purchases on flights and hotels.
• Anniversary bonus miles: $173 — You’ll receive 10,000 bonus miles each year after your account anniversary, which can help offset the annual fee.
• Airport lounges: $591 — You’ll be able to relax at a handful of swanky Capital One Lounges while you wait for your flight. Plus, you’ll have access to even more airport lounges all over the world with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

At $395, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card charges a more reasonable annual fee compared to some other cards on this list. And the straightforward benefits can help you get your money’s worth from this card.

Learn more in our review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

How we picked the most valuable premium rewards cards

To rank the most valuable premium rewards cards, we relied on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value, which estimates how much a credit card could be worth if you use each of its benefits once per year.

We found seven cards that are worth at least $1,000 and ranked them from most to least valuable. Based on our calculations, each of these cards more than doubles its annual fee in benefit value.

How to make the most of your premium rewards benefits

While finding a valuable premium rewards card is great, there are other factors to consider. Ultimately, the actual value you’ll receive depends on which perks you use and how often you use them. So it’s also important to consider how practical and easy the benefits are to use and pick a card that fits your spending habits.

Premium rewards cards offer a lot of potential.

Sure, the gigantic annual fees might give you pause. But the potential benefits often outweigh the costs by a wide margin. After all, there’s a reason why I pay more than $3,000 in annual fees for half a dozen premium rewards cards. It’s the price of admission — and it gives me access to more than $17,000 in perks and benefits.

Just like you might be, I was wary about how much money I was spending on premium rewards cards. That’s what spurred the idea for Total Benefit Value. It estimates the potential dollar value of a premium card’s benefits to help you determine whether the annual fee is worth it.

To complement this calculation, we also developed an ease-of-use rating to estimate how difficult it might be to cash in on a card’s benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can use these tools to help choose the next credit card you apply for.

• What’s the Total Benefit Value and how does it work?
• Why does the Total Benefit Value matter?
• What benefits are included in the Total Benefit Value?
• How did we calculate the Total Benefit Value?
• How does the Ease-of-Use rating work?

What’s the Total Benefit Value and how does it work?

The Total Benefit Value is an estimate of how much a premium rewards card’s benefits are worth.

Think of it as a starting point. This is how much the card potentially could be worth if you and a traveling companion use each benefit once. If you use them more often, you could rack up even more value. But if you don’t use each and every benefit, you could wind up seeing less value.

It’s up to you to determine how often you’ll actually use these benefits. We can’t predict which benefits someone will use, so our goal is to provide a baseline that shows what’s possible. This way, you can compare a card’s total value against its annual fee and determine whether it’s worth the cost.

Why does the Total Benefit Value of a card matter?

The first thing I look at when considering a new credit card is the sign-up bonus.

In my opinion, this is one of the most thrilling parts of getting a new rewards card. If you’re like me, your mind races as you think about all of the places you could travel with your newfound infusion of credit card points and miles.

The problem is you can only earn the welcome bonus once. So what happens after the first year when your credit card honeymoon is over? Are you still in love with the card? Or are you having second thoughts?

That’s where the Total Benefit Value comes in. This dollar figure measures the ongoing annual value of a credit card’s perks and benefits, so you know upfront how much value you may be able to get out of it year after year.

What benefits are included in the Total Benefit Value?

What really defines premium rewards cards are the high-end perks they offer. These ongoing benefits come in many different forms.

• Premium rewards cards typically provide airport lounge access, along with statement credits for travel, dining and lifestyle spending.
• More specialized airline premium rewards cards might offer flight credits, discounts on award flights, companion tickets, and even complimentary first-class upgrades.
• Similarly, hotel premium rewards cards might offer free nights, hotel credits or elite status that gives you access to perks like room upgrades and late checkout.

These are just a few of the premium benefits we included in the Total Benefit Value.

How did we calculate the Total Benefit Value?

The Total Benefit Value considers all of the benefits we could reasonably estimate — with the exception of rewards. This is because we felt the focus should be on the underlying perks and benefits, not points and miles.

We included the estimated value of core benefits that provide a fixed amount, such as statement credits for travel and dining.

When we came across recurring benefits that you can use as often as you want — like free checked bags and priority boarding — we relied on the assumption that the cardholder plus one traveling companion would use each benefit once a year.

But some of the recurring benefits are so abstract — and others fluctuate so much — that we simply couldn’t assign them a dollar figure without guessing. We also excluded temporary benefits you can only receive once, such as one-time statement credits and complimentary memberships that begin charging you after the first year. To qualify, it must be an ongoing benefit that will be available again a year from now.

Here’s what we considered for each type of premium card.

Standard premium rewards cards

Some of the most popular premium rewards cards we looked at come straight from the credit card issuers.

We added up all the perks and benefits we could possibly measure to show you the potential value these cards offer, including …

• The price of an annual airport lounge membership. For airport lounges that don’t offer annual memberships, we included the price of a day pass for two people. For lounges that are only available to cardholders and their guests, we used the price of a guest pass for two people. For lounges that don’t advertise their rates online, we assumed a price of $30 per person for two people to reflect the minimum you could expect to pay for entrance, based on other lounge prices.
• Travel credits for airlines, hotels, car rentals, cruises, Clear, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®
• Hotel and cruise stipends you can use to treat yourself on each trip
• Dining credits for restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Shake Shack
• Food delivery credits from apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub
• Grocery delivery credits from apps like Instacart and Gopuff
• Rideshare credits from apps like Uber and Lyft
• Entertainment credits for subscriptions to media outlets such as Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, Audible, Sirius XM and The New York Times
• Fitness credits for places like Equinox and SoulCycle
• Shopping credits at places like Saks Fifth Avenue
• Subscriptions that cover your membership fees for services like Uber One, Lyft Pink, DashPass, Walmart+ and Shipt
• Generally speaking, points and miles earned by spending money on a credit card are considered rewards and are not factored into the Total Benefit Value. But if you automatically receive bonus points each year after your account anniversary, that’s considered a benefit. To estimate how much it’s worth, we multiply the number of bonus points by Credit Karma’s point valuation for that particular rewards program.

Other benefits present so many variables that there’s no way to determine how much value they add to the card, so we left them out of the Total Benefit Value calculation. These include …

• Rewards points that you can only earn by spending
• Credit card insurance (like travel insurance or cellphone insurance) because prices vary by company and level of coverage you choose
• Elite status because the value it offers varies from person to person
• Temporary airport lounge access because it’s not an ongoing feature of the card
• Coupons like Amex Offers and Chase Offers because they only offer temporary discounts that constantly come and go
• Concierge, reservations and support lines that you can call for assistance because they’re difficult to value — usually offered only to cardholders and may not be available for purchase
• No-foreign-transaction-fee offers because we don’t know how often someone will travel internationally nor how much they’ll spend

Beyond these key features, there were a handful of differences between airline and hotel premium rewards cards that are unique, so we couldn’t account for them with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Airline premium rewards cards

Other premium rewards cards are connected to popular airline rewards programs.

In addition to the standard perks mentioned above, we also calculated the value of …

• Companion tickets that allow a friend or family member to fly with you for next to nothing
• Seat upgrades that give you complimentary access to first-class seats when available for the cost of a regular, main cabin ticket
• Flight credits and discounts that refund a portion of the miles you spend on award flights
• Free checked bags, priority check-in, priority screening, priority boarding and priority baggage handling that save you money on expensive airline fees

What didn’t we include?

• Discounts on in-flight purchases — we don’t know how much each person will spend.
• Seat upgrades that are only offered to frequent flyers with loyalty status, because they aren’t necessarily available to all cardholders.
• Southwest Airlines’ offer of two free checked bags as well as the carrier’s lack of change fees. These aren’t included because they’re benefits offered by the airline, not by the credit card issuer.

Hotel premium rewards cards

Other premium rewards cards are connected to popular hotel rewards programs.

In addition to the standard perks mentioned above, we also calculated the value of …

• Free nights
• A predetermined number of bonus points earned by staying at a hotel, regardless of how much you spend.

What didn’t we include?

• Semi-free nights that you can earn only by spending
• Choice awards that you can unlock only by spending
• Elite status perks like complimentary room upgrades, late check-out and free breakfast

How does the Ease-of-Use rating work?

The Ease-of-Use rating complements the Total Benefit Value.

While the Total Benefit Value estimates how much a credit card’s benefits could be worth, the Ease-of-Use rating measures how difficult it might be to use those benefits. While some cards make their benefits easily accessible, others have some twists and turns that could easily get you lost.

For example, one card might give you a travel credit that you can use on all sorts of purchases, including airfare and hotels. But another might offer a statement credit that only covers airline fees and can’t be used to pay for your airfare.

That’s why it’s important to look at both the Total Benefit Value and the Ease-of-Use rating before deciding which premium rewards card may be right for you.