If you’ve got a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum, you’ve probably noticed the annual fees creeping toward $800. These premium cards still offer big perks like lounge access and points bonuses, but many of the new benefits feel more like coupon books stuff you won’t use unless you live in a major city or travel constantly. Chase, for example, now offers $250 hotel credits that require minimum 2-night stays in pricey resorts.
Airlines and banks clearly want high spenders in their ecosystems, but for the average traveler, it’s getting harder to break even. I’ve been playing the points game for years, but lately it feels like a losing battle unless you’re all in. Anyone still finding great value in these cards or considering downgrading?
0