The Essentials

Choosing the Right Premium Travel Credit Card

It’s become the war of the upscale travel benefit credit cards, between American Express, Chase, and Capital One.

In this premium card arms race, we’re talking high annual fees, ranging from $395 to nearly $900, and the offered perks and savings seem impressive.

But each card is different, and you need to investigate in more detail before applying, each card comes with bonus points that translate to either cash or airline ticket redemption.

Some cards come with free checked bags, lounge memberships, or perhaps more tangibly, a return on spending for things like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or even Clear, or hotel frequent stay status.

Some even offer a $200 Uber credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit. But remember, one size does not fit all.

You need to go by which perks you’ll actually use, not which perks are offered. And then, use them. Otherwise, the card becomes the equivalent of an expensive gym membership you never use.