It sounds like you’ve done well with your no-fee card, paying on time and keeping it simple, but now you’re ready to take things up a notch! If you’ve been wondering how your friend gets those free flights to Europe, it’s all about the power of rewards cards. When you’re ready to upgrade from a no-fee card, here are three types that can open up a world of rewards, benefits, and serious savings:
1. Starting Strong with a $95 Annual Fee Card
If you’re looking to ease into higher rewards without diving into premium fees, these cards can build on the strong foundation you’ve set with your no-fee card. You’ll start earning higher points on everyday spending while keeping costs low.
Here are a few top picks:
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (earns Chase Ultimate Rewards®): This card is the perfect beginner travel card. With 3x points on dining and 2x on travel, plus bonus points on streaming and online groceries, this card can really stretch your points on expenses you’re already covering. The $50 annual hotel credit, which reduces the effective $95 fee to $45, makes this a budget-friendly upgrade. And if you pair it with the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which earns 1.5x on everything, you can pool these points for more valuable redemptions in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.
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Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (earns ThankYou® Points): This card is great if groceries, gas, and travel make up a big portion of your expenses. With 3x points on these categories, you can start racking up ThankYou Points faster. Pairing it with a Citi Double Cash® Card could boost your points even more, allowing you to pull them all together within Citi’s ThankYou® Points program.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (earns Capital One Miles): If you’re looking for simplicity, this card’s flat 2x miles on all purchases is hard to beat. It’s also incredibly flexible—you can redeem miles as cash toward any travel expense at 1 cent per mile. You do NOT have to go through the Capital One Travel portal to redeem as you do with Chase and American Express. Capital One’s transfer partners have grown, too, giving you more options for future travel.
2. Premium Rewards Cards In Which The Benefits Knock Out The Annual Fee
These cards have higher annual fees but can pay off in big perks, especially if you’re coordinating travel for your family or making the most of travel credits.
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American Express® Gold Card: With a $325 annual fee, it may seem high, but monthly dining credits and perks like Uber cash, Uber Eats, and Resy credits can bring that fee down to zero (or even a small gain) if you plan well. And with 4x points on dining and groceries, this card gives you back for the basics. You could easily maximize this for family dinners and grocery hauls alike, keeping your day-to-day spend more rewarding. (Enrollment is required for select benefits)
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: ($395 annual fee): At $395, this card provides serious perks, especially with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles. Lounge access for you and additional free cardholders adds value, especially when you’re navigating long layovers with family.
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The Platinum Card® from American Express: For full-on luxury, the card’s $695 fee is offset by tons of credits, including $200 for Uber, $200 in airline credits, $200 in digital entertainment credits, and $50 Saks credits. While the additional cardholder fee is high, it could still be a good fit for when you’re the main traveler or taking special family trips. (Enrollment is required for select benefits)
3. Airline or Hotel Cards for Loyalty Benefits
While these cards don’t offer flexible rewards, they do provide great value if you can take advantage of specific perks:
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®Credit Card: With Bonvoy, an annual free night certificate at properties up to 35,000 Bonvoy Points can be valuable and more than cover the annual fee. For $95 a year, this card keeps things simple and rewarding.
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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card:The $350 fee may sound steep, but the annual companion ticket could cover far more than that when you’re flying domestically. The $10 monthly Resy credit is also easy to use, when you’re dining at a spot that’s in the Resy network.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: If you’re a Hilton fan or have luxury stays in mind, the card’s perks are worth the $450 fee. You’ll get $200 in airline credits, $400 in annual resort credits and a free night you could use at places like the Waldorf Astoria—perks that help you attain those high-value redemptions. (Enrollment is required for select benefits)
With these card options, you’re well-positioned to build on your expertise in points, maximize your travel perks, and even make room for a few upgrades along the way. Your instinct for finding value will make any of these cards work for you, while also letting your family in on the benefits. Whether you’re looking to save on flights, book dream hotels, or just simplify the reward game, these options will help you reach your next travel goals!
Up Your No-Fee Cards
The Power of Rewards Cards
