1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card review: Practical rewards and perks to balance out the annual fee

Image: image_8f05e1

46

reviews

2.3

Rating: 2.3 out of 5.

Great for free hotel nights

Annual Fee: $95

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,527, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 718, with 819 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

24.4%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

46 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$110,952

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Strong sign-up bonus

Image: yes

Extra points for Marriott stays

Image: yes

Annual free night award

Image: Con

A big spending requirement to earn that sign-up bonus

Image: Con

Low point value (according to our valuations)

Image: Con

$95 annual fee

4 things to know about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

1. Annual free night award can help cover the annual fee

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card comes with a $95 annual fee, but you may find it fairly easy to make up for that upfront cost from just one benefit. That’s because you’ll qualify for one free night award each account anniversary.

The free night award can be used at participating midtier hotels on rooms that cost up to 35,000 points.

2. Big sign-up bonus, but no hotel credits

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on qualifying purchases within your first 3 months. Plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 total on eligible purchases within 6 months of account opening.

But there is no annual hotel credit to provide extra ongoing value at Marriott hotels.

3. Earn more points for Marriott stays

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers six points for every $1 you spend on purchases at participating Marriott hotels, and two points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, you’ll earn three points per $1 spent on gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases, up to $6,000 spent each year.

Because the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also gives you complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, you can earn another 11 points for every $1 you spend at participating Marriott hotels, in addition to the points you earn with your credit card. That’s 10 base points for every $1 you spend on qualifying purchases, plus a 10% bonus for Silver Elite status.

If your qualifying purchases are at participating Marriott hotels, you could earn a total of 17 points for every $1 you spend at Marriott.

4. Turn hotel loyalty into a more comfortable stay

That automatic Silver Elite status that you can earn with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also entitles you to priority late checkouts — based on availability — at participating Marriott hotels. This perk could come in handy when you have a late afternoon or evening flight and would rather relax than pass the time with some other activity.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also offers the opportunity to upgrade to Bonvoy’s Gold status each calendar year that you either spend $35,000 on qualifying purchases. Gold status comes with the added benefit of receiving complimentary room upgrades — based on availability — at participating Marriott hotels.

Understanding your points and redemption options

Marriott Bonvoy points can be used to book rewards nights at Marriott hotels. We estimate these points to be worth approximately 0.85 cents each, according to Credit Karma’s point valuations, but the actual value you get depends on how you redeem your points.

That value could depend on where you choose to stay. Marriott’s rewards program features several categories of hotels, so there’s some variety in your options.

No matter where you stay, you can make your points earned with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card go further by taking advantage of Marriott’s fifth-night-free promotion. If you book a five-night stay using your points, you need to redeem only enough points to pay for the first four nights because the fifth night will be free.

You can also transfer points to one of Marriott’s participating airline partners, or redeem through Marriott’s rewards program for rental cars, gift cards, charitable donations and special experiences. But you’ll typically get more bang for your buck when you redeem your points for a hotel room.

Who this card is good for

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card could be a good choice for regular Marriott guests who are more interested in value than maximizing luxury.

While the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card doesn’t feature countless credits or fancy perks, it offers plenty of opportunities to capitalize on your Marriott loyalty with practical benefits like the free night award and late checkouts. You’d also be able to get that value without paying a premium for perks you might not use, like spa treatments and hotel lounge access.

Not sure this card is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

If the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card isn’t for you, you might be interested in one of these other hotel credit cards.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: This card is good for Marriott-loyal travelers who want a bit more luxury during their stays.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: This card could be the right pick for business travelers who are loyal to Marriott.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card could be a better pick for travelers who usually stay with many different hotel brands.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. GEM Account Credit Card

0

reviews

 

Rating: out of 5.

Annual Fee: $65

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their GEM Account Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $3,203, with $2,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their GEM Account Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 639, with 627 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

43.4%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

47 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$90,752

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

This offer is no longer available on our site: Chase Freedom Flex℠

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited® review: Worth a look for most consumers

Image: cfu

2010

reviews

3.6

Rating: 3.6 out of 5.

Great for maximizing cash back

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Chase Freedom Unlimited® or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $6,880, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Chase Freedom Unlimited® or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 692, with 810 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

32.3%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

44 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$92,502

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Bonus categories offer the chance to maximize value

Image: yes

Good rate on all other purchases allows for straightforward earning

Image: yes

No annual fee to eat into rewards value

Image: Con

Foreign transaction fee could cost travelers

Image: Con

Lacks long-term value in some bonus categories

3 things to know about the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

1. Numerous ways to earn bonus rewards

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has previously been a straightforward cash back credit card offering 1.5% back in rewards on all purchases. Now, though, it holds considerably more potential.

Cardholders can now also earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and 3% back on drugstore purchases. Plus, Chase still offers the same 1.5% back on all other purchases.

In other words, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card added bonus rewards in several common spending categories without dropping the 1.5% rate that made it a recommended card in the past.

2. No annual fee

Like many of the best cash back credit cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® doesn’t charge an annual fee — so you don’t have that extra cost taking a bite out of the cash back you can earn.

3. Low intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® features an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after opening the account. After that, the APR for purchases and balance transfers climbs to a variable 18.99% - 28.49%. There’s a balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. 5% (minimum $5) thereafter.

This offer can help you cover any big or unexpected expenses, but keep in mind that unpaid balances remaining after the expiration of the intro period will accrue interest. Those interest payments will eat into the value of any rewards you earn from your purchases.

Other things to consider with the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Here are a couple of other card features to keep in mind.

• You could earn up to $500 in referral bonuses. You’ll earn $50 cash back for every person you refer who is approved for the card.
• The Chase Freedom Unlimited® might not be the best credit card to bring on your next international trip because it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Understanding your points and redemption options

The points you earn from the Chase Freedom Unlimited® are worth 1 cent each.

The simplest way to redeem your points is through Chase Ultimate Rewards for cash back, travel or gift cards. You can also use them to pay for purchases you make on Amazon.com.

If you have another Chase card, you could also move your points to that account’s rewards balance to potentially get more value. If you transfer your points to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, for example, and redeem them through Chase Travel℠, they’ll be worth 50% more. Transferring your points to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and redeeming them for travel with Chase will make your points worth 25% more.

You can learn more about how this process works and other rewards options in our guide to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

Who this card is good for

The bonus categories and 1.5% rewards rate on most purchases with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® make it one of the best cash back cards on the market for many different kinds of consumers.

While not everyone will get the same value out of the bonus rewards rates on travel and dining, the 1.5% rate on most purchases is comparable to that of several notable flat-rate cash back cards that don’t include any bonus categories.

Cardholders who like to maximize rewards value across a number of cards may need to look elsewhere for long-term value on categories like groceries, but the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is worth a look for anyone who wants to maximize cash back value without putting in too much effort.

Not sure this card is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you’re not sold on the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you might be interested in one of these other cash back credit cards.

• Chase Freedom Flex℠: This card offers similar bonus categories with a bit more variety in cash back opportunities.
• Citi Double Cash® Card: If you don’t want to consider too many bonus categories, this card’s rewards might appeal to you more.
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card features ongoing value from both groceries and dining purchases.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card review

Image: image_9afa06

387

reviews

1.7

Rating: 1.7 out of 5.

Great for a low purchase APR

Annual Fee: $39

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $1,031, with $200 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 592, with 573 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

45.5%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

43 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$73,344

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

This offer is no longer available on our site: Allegiant World Mastercard®

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Allways Rewards Visa® credit card review

Image: image_4d8f99

7

reviews

1.9

Rating: 1.9 out of 5.

Annual Fee: $59

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Allways Rewards Visa® credit card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $8,782, with $10,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Allways Rewards Visa® credit card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 688, with 823 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

29.9%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

52 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$93,584

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

This offer is no longer available on our site: Capital One Spark Cash Plus

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. American Express® Business Gold Card review: For big-spending businesses

Image: image_2a7ede

19

reviews

2.9

Rating: 2.9 out of 5.

Great for big-spending businesses

Annual Fee: $375

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their American Express® Business Gold Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $7,623, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their American Express® Business Gold Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 668, with 749 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

29.8%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

44 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$93,560

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Up to 4x Membership Rewards® points per $1 spent on purchases

Image: yes

No foreign transaction fee

Image: Con

$375 annual fee

Image: Con

Billing structure means you can only carry a balance for certain charges

What you need to know about the American Express® Business Gold Card

If you’re thinking about applying for the American Express® Business Gold Card, here are some of the card’s top features to consider.

Earn 4x Membership Rewards points in top spending categories

This unique feature allows you to earn a total of four Membership Rewards points per $1 spent in your top two eligible spending categories each month. You’ll earn extra points in two of the categories from the following list:

• U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
• U.S. purchases made directly from electronic goods retailers or software and cloud system providers, including computer hardware, software and cloud solutions
• U.S. purchases at gas stations
• U.S. purchases at restaurants
• Transit purchases, such as trains, taxis, rideshare services, ferries, parking and subways
• Monthly wireless phone service charges made directly from a U.S. wireless phone service provider

Unfortunately, you’re limited to earning bonus category points only up to your first $150,000 spent on combined eligible purchases each calendar year. After that, you’ll earn only one point per $1 spent.

You’ll also earn three points per $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com and one point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases outside of the bonus categories.

Interestingly, you don’t get to pick your bonus-points categories, which can help simplify your life. At the end of each billing cycle, American Express analyzes your purchases in the categories listed above. It then awards the four extra points for every $1 spent in the two categories where you spent the most.

Reward redemption can be complex

Redeeming your points can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. The redemption method to get the most value out of your points can be complicated.

You can redeem points in the following ways:

• Pay at checkout at certain stores
• Redeem for gift cards
• Cover your credit card charges as statement credits
• Book or upgrade travel
• Transfer points to frequent traveler programs where you’re enrolled (which may incur a fee)
• Shop with select merchant partners

The highest fixed-value options for redeeming points are booking or upgrading flights as well as some gift cards.

We calculated your points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed through American Express Membership Rewards. But you might get a better value if you redeem through an American Express Membership Rewards® transfer partner. Depending on how you redeem, your points could be worth an estimated 1.27 cents each, based on Credit Karma’s standard point valuations.

Transferring points to frequent traveler programs may allow you to get a better value per point — but you’ll have to pay a fee of $0.0006 per point, with a maximum fee of $99, to transfer the points.

High annual fee

This card charges a hefty $375 annual fee for the primary cardholder. But you may be able to offset this annual fee if you earn enough rewards in the highest points-earning categories.

Add employee cards

The American Express® Business Gold Card allows you to add employee cards to your account with an additional annual fee of $95 for the first five cards, then $95 for each additional card (up to 99 cards). You can set up spending limits, alerts and view summary reports for each employee card.

Personal guarantee required

As with many business credit cards, American Express requires the person applying for the card to personally guarantee the account. This means that if your business can’t pay the credit card balance due, you’re responsible for paying the balance.

While it isn’t ideal to have a credit card for your business where you’re also responsible for the payments, it’s a fairly common practice.

Other factors to consider

The American Express® Business Gold Card has some other features your business may want to consider before you decide whether to apply for this card.

• This card has no foreign transaction fees, so spending overseas isn’t a problem.
• The American Express® Business Gold Card doesn’t have a traditional purchase APR structure, which means that you’ll be expected to pay off your balance in full every month.
• You’ll have no preset credit limit, but the actual amount you can spend on the card may change based on factors like your purchase, payment and credit history.
• The card’s Pay Over Time feature effectively turns it into a credit card with no preset spending limit, because it allows you to carry a balance on qualifying purchases, with 0% interest for 6 months from the date of account opening on eligible purchases, and then at a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.49%.
• You only earn one point per $1 spent on all other purchases that aren’t in your monthly bonus categories, which is lackluster as far as credit card rewards go.
• This card offers extra perks that add value, but only if you use them. They include car rental loss and damage insurance, extended warranty and purchase protection.

Who is the American Express® Business Gold Card good for?

The American Express® Business Gold Card is good for businesses that spend a significant amount of money each month in the bonus points-earning categories.

Additionally, businesses will need to be cautious about how they redeem their rewards. If you get this card, you’ll want to make sure the redemption value you receive more than offsets the annual fee. For this reason, this card is probably best for business owners that plan to redeem their points for travel, either through booking flights or transferring points to a frequent traveler program.

If your business doesn’t spend much on a monthly basis or you want to earn straight cash back for your business’ spending, this card may not be the best fit.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

The American Express® Business Gold Card isn’t a good fit for every business. Here are some alternatives to consider if it doesn’t meet your business needs.

• The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: This card is good for companies that want cash back without an annual fee.
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus: This card is ideal for big-spending businesses that want to earn unlimited cash back on all purchases.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Businesses with lots of travel and online advertising purchases should look into this card.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express review

Image: image_e5346f

10

reviews

3

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Great for maximizing business perks

Annual Fee: $695

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $7,623, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 668, with 749 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

29.8%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

44 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$93,560

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on purchases within the first 3 months after account opening

Image: yes

You’ll earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com

Image: yes

You’ll get 50% more points on purchases of $5,000 or more (1.5 points per $1 spent), up to $2 million per card account per calendar year

Image: Con

You’ll need to spend a lot to get the welcome offer

Image: Con

You’ll be expected to pay your statement balance each month

Image: Con

The card charges an annual fee of $695

You don’t need to be wealthy to travel in style — you just need The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Yes, the card charges a $695 annual fee. But depending on how you take advantage of its perks throughout the year, you could get far more value out of it than what you pay to keep it.

Cardholders receive a healthy welcome offer of Membership Rewards® points, and earn bonus rewards on certain travel and large purchases. You also may be able to get extra perks when you travel.

The rundown: Everything we like about The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Given its high annual fee, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express may not be the first choice for many business owners. But depending on how often you use the card and your travel habits, you could get enough value out of the card to make up for its cost.

The welcome offer plus the five points you earn per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com can add up. And when it comes to redeeming your rewards, you’ll get 35% of them back — up to 1 million points per calendar year — if you use them to book on your selected airline through American Express Travel.

Alternatively, you can transfer your points to one of American Express’ airline or hotel transfer partners (enrollment in that partner program may be required).

Even if you don’t spend a lot on travel, you can still get a lot of value out of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, with perks (that may require enrollment) like …

• Annual airline fee credit of up to $200 at one qualifying airline you select (enrollment required)
• Credit every four and a half years for up to $120 for your application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• $200 back per calendar year for Hilton For Business members who enroll and make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties
• Elite status with some hotel rewards programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy (enrollment required)
• Complimentary membership in premium rental car programs when you enroll

Heads up: What you should consider before applying for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Unless you spend a lot on travel, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t a rewards powerhouse. The card offers just one point per $1 on most purchases.

Also, the card’s airline fee credit is valid only for one airline you select each calendar year. So, unless you’re an airline loyalist, it can be difficult to get the full credit amount annually.

Last, the card doesn’t have a traditional purchase APR structure, and you’ll be expected to pay your statement balance in full each month. However, American Express does allow cardholders to carry payments over for certain purchases, with interest, each month.

Do the math: How to get the most out of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The main thing you’ll want to know before you apply for this card is whether it’s worth the annual fee. It’s not easy to know exactly what the card’s perks are worth in dollars and cents, but it’s still worth trying to find out how much they’re worth to you.

Start by calculating the card’s benefits that have a dollar amount attached. For example, using a $200 airline fee credit in full could effectively drop the annual cost by $200.

Then look at the card’s other benefits that aren’t so easily quantifiable and determine how much value you get out of them. Elite hotel status, for instance, could help you get room upgrades and better Wi-Fi — the same goes for your premium rental car program membership.

As you consider each of the card’s benefits and how often you’d use them, it will be easier to determine whether it’s worth the fee to you.

Bottom line: Is The Business Platinum Card® from American Express right for you?

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a complex card with a high annual fee. While the card offers a suite of premium perks, it’s probably not worth it for business owners who don’t travel often enough to maximize the card’s value.

However, if you spend a lot on travel for your business or want to take advantage of the card’s travel perks, it may be right up your alley. Compare it with business credit card offers on Credit Karma to make sure you get the best one for your company.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card review: Serious perks at a serious price

Image: image

10

reviews

3.6

Rating: 3.6 out of 5.

Great for Delta superfans who love luxe travel

Annual Fee: $650

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $23,155, with $15,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 726, with 817 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

25.4%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

45 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$122,897

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Strong welcome bonus offer

Image: yes

Annual companion certificate offers lots of potential value

Image: yes

Complimentary first-class upgrades

Image: Con

Big annual fee could ground your plans

Image: Con

Companion certificate not available in your first year of card membership

Image: Con

Upgrades are based on availability and not guaranteed

4 things you should know about the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Here’s a quick breakdown of the card’s most important features.

1. The bonus miles could take you far

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a welcome bonus.

You’ll earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership.

The welcome bonus is especially nice because you might have trouble earning many miles elsewhere with the card. You’ll earn three miles for every $1 you spend on Delta purchases and one mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases. But if you don’t fly Delta especially often, it might be tough to add to your rewards balance.

2. Annual companion certificate helps offset the annual fee

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card bears a huge $650 annual fee, making the card more expensive than many domestic round-trip flights with the airline.

But the fee doesn’t have to ground your travel plans — you’ll also receive a companion certificate each year after your account anniversary. When you buy a ticket for yourself, this certificate allows your companion to tag along for between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) in taxes and fees.

Depending on where and how you fly, that certificate could cover the bulk of the annual fee.

3. Terrific luxury perks, but with a catch

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card features some of the best perks we’ve ever seen from a co-branded airline credit card. It offers airport lounge access and the possibility of complimentary upgrades, both of which could be very valuable to those in the market for luxury treatment when they travel.

When you fly with Delta, you may receive complimentary Centurion Lounge visits.

You might also be eligible for complimentary upgrades to first class, Delta Comfort+, and even the super-exclusive Delta One, when you book a main cabin ticket that’s not basic economy. That chance at extra comfort sounds great, but there’s a catch. The complimentary upgrades may prove elusive if you don’t have elite status because you’ll have to wait at the back of the line behind all Medallion members before getting your chance. By the time it’s your turn, there might not be any premium seats left.

On the other hand, if you already have Delta Medallion status, you’ll receive upgrade priority over other Medallion members in the same fare class who don’t have the card.

Other ways this card makes your trip more comfortable

There are other, less luxurious perks that come with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

• First checked bag free for you and up to eight guests traveling on the same reservation
• Zone 5 priority boarding for you and up to eight guests traveling on the same reservation
• 20% back on in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit for things like food and drinks (but not in-flight Wi-Fi)

Who is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card good for?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is geared toward luxury travelers who are loyal to Delta.

If you enjoy treating yourself to a nice vacation every now and then, and don’t mind splurging on luxury items like premium-class tickets and airport lounges, this card could give you more bang for your buck.

But even if you prefer booking economy seats, this card still might work for you if you fly at least once or twice a month and take advantage of the annual companion certificate. Otherwise, the high annual fee might be hard to make up.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

If the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card seems a bit too pricey for what you get, you might be interested in another travel rewards credit card that works well for Delta flyers.

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card might be better for Delta fans who want to earn rewards with a lower annual fee.
• Platinum Card® from American Express: This card could be right for travelers who appreciate luxury but don’t want to be tied down to one particular airline.

This offer is no longer available on our site: Chase Freedom Flex℠

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review: Good for budget-conscious travelers

Image: image

996

reviews

4.2

Rating: 4.2 out of 5.

Editors’ take: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for occasional travelers, offering a generous sign-up bonus and strong ongoing rewards rates and travel credits, all for a reasonable annual fee.

Great for maximizing travel rewards

Annual Fee: $95

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $15,557, with $5,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 712, with 810 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

25.6%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

41 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$105,873

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Big sign-up bonus

Image: yes

Modest annual fee

Image: yes

Good rewards rates for travel and dining at restaurants

Image: Con

No access to airport lounges

Image: Con

No credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card worth it?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a very good introductory travel card for people who take trips every once in a while.

While the card lacks some premium features that more expensive travel cards offer, such as airport lounge access, it has strong value when you make travel or dining purchases using your card.

A modest annual fee and solid slate of travel perks makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card worth considering for many people.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card at a glance

• Annual fee: $95
• Sign-up bonus: 100,000 bonus points after $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• Editors’ estimated welcome bonus value: Up to $1,390
• Standout benefit: Bonus points worth 10% of previous year’s total purchases on your account anniversary
• Standout rewards rate: 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card best perks and features

A strong sign-up bonus

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a 100,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $5,000 on purchases during the first 3 months after account opening. Those points are worth $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Good ongoing rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers five points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel. There’s an exception, though: If you book a hotel with your card through the Chase Travel portal, you’ll receive a $50 statement credit. This is a nice perk, but the hotel purchase that earns this credit won’t qualify for bonus points.

Other travel purchases will earn two points for every $1 you spend.

You’ll also earn …

• 3 points per $1 on dining purchases
• 3 points per $1 on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 3 points per $1 on select streaming services
• 1 point per $1 for all other purchases

Cardholders also earn bonus points on their account anniversary equal to 10% of total purchases made the previous year.

A modest annual fee

One of the biggest draws of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is its reasonable annual fee ($95). This cost is in line with other solid travel cards.

If you’re intrigued by the higher rewards rate of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® but you just can’t bring yourself to pay the steep $550 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card still offers quality benefits for a lower upfront cost.

A nice list of transfer partners

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card gives you access to an attractive slate of 1:1 transfer partners, so you can redeem your points for valuable flights or hotel stays.

Transfer partner reward programs include United MileagePlus®, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®, JetBlue TrueBlue, Marriott Bonvoy® and World of Hyatt®.

What are the drawbacks of Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?

No airport lounge access

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card doesn’t offer free access to airport lounges — a perk that’s typically offered by more premium rewards cards.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, after a one-time enrollment, which can get you into select airport lounges around the world.

No TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit

If you want to avoid getting stuck in long airport security line, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card won’t give you any options for speeding up what can be a frustrating experience.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card doesn’t offer a statement credit for the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application, unlike other rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

How to redeem points for Chase Ultimate Rewards^®

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers some of the most valuable points you can find using a travel card.

Your points are worth 1.25 cents each when you redeem for travel through Chase. You can also transfer your points to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, where you might be able to earn an even better value in certain cases.

And since travel rewards offer you the most value with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, we recommend you avoid cashing out with a statement credit or gift card — you just won’t get as much bang for your buck.

Other cards to consider

If the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn’t the best match for you, take a look at these travel cards.

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: This card is worth considering for frequent travelers who have an account with Bank of America.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card is a solid option for people who want more flexibility when using their card for purchases.

FAQs about theChase Sapphire Preferred® Card

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card review: One standout perk

Image: image_05a16c

32

reviews

4

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Editors’ Take: Delta loyalists will appreciate the simple pleasures this card offers, like free checked bags and priority boarding. It also comes with a generous companion certificate, but lacks lounge access.

Image: hands-thumbs-up

Great for flying with friends or family

Image: cash

Annual fee: $350

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 708

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,093

Explore more about this card:

• Pros and cons
• In-depth Editorial review
• Member reviews

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,093, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 708, with 813 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.