Airline Discounts and Elite Status Perks With FoundersCard
The FoundersCard is a paid membership that gives entrepreneurs discounts and networking opportunities. I joined earlier this summer on the recommendation of a friend, primarily for the networking opportunities (though not surprisingly I've been traveling for any of the key NYC events so far, oops). There have been a bunch of travel benefits added recently that I thought TPG readers might find useful. FoundersCard used to be exclusive, but I'm pretty sure they are on a big membership spree. Membership is normally $595 per year, but it is only $495 per year with a waived initiation fee if you use promo code FCTPG17.
Disclaimer: I do not have a business relationship with FoundersCard. There was some confusion with their affiliation with American Airlines last year, but it seems to be resolved.
Per their website:
FoundersCard is a first of its kind members-only community for leading entrepreneurs and innovators. Among our members are the leaders of many of today's most successful companies and tomorrow's most promising ventures. Headquartered in Manhattan, FoundersCard has members in virtually every major city.
Our members receive access to exclusive benefits, upgrades, and amenities from the hottest travel, lifestyle, and business brands, carefully selected to meet the needs of the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Members also have the opportunity to network at invitation-only events held on a regular basis.
American Airlines Benefits:
Update: There is an American Airlines elite perk, but it is for members only and FoundersCard has asked me politely to remove the information. Feel free to contact FoundersCard directly for more information.
TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT CODES:
10% discount codes for travel through September 30, 2011 may be redeemed by clicking the button below. Unique codes are valid for 24 hours once they are issued and may be applied to itineraries on which you are listed as the Lead Traveler. We expect to have codes available for travel October through December by the middle of September.
One discount code per month may be retrieved via the automated request system. If you would like an additional code, please contact (email redacted)@founderscard.com who will fulfill your request, based on availability.
Qantas Benefits:
FoundersCard Members receive 10-20% off travel between US, Australia, and New Zealand. Discounts are available on all classes of service.
Virgin Atlantic Benefits:
FoundersCard members receive discounts up to 13% on travel to all Virgin Atlantic destinations in all classes of service.
As a FoundersCard member, you also receive an immediate complimentary upgrade to Flying Club Silver Status with a fast-track to Gold Status. Benefits include:
- An extra 25% of miles flown on qualifying Virgin Atlantic flights.
- Access to Premium Economy check in on every flight regardless of class of travel.
- Priority standby on all eligible flights.
- Receive four complimentary First Class upgrades, two each for Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express trains.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees