Are you looking for an airline credit card, but not ready to pay a high annual fee? Lucky for you, there are some good options on the market for $150 or less each year.

Many airlines offer a range of cobranded credit cards. These offerings often start with baseline, no-annual-fee cards with very few benefits and low earning potential.

They expand to cards packed with perks such as lounge access, inflight discounts, free checked bags and priority boarding — for exceptionally high annual fees.

The options in this guide will land more in the middle.

If you're an occasional flyer or someone not particularly interested in paying more than $150 to hold a credit card, consider applying for one of our picks for the five best airline cards with $150 or less in annual fees.

The best airline credit cards with annual fees of $150 or less

• Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• JetBlue Plus Card
• United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees)

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select and JetBlue Plus cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Comparing the best airline credit cards with annual fees of $150 or less

Atmos Rewards Ascent

The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card offers one of the best companion fare perks on the market, making it a great option for those looking to get a solid deal when traveling with someone else.

Annual fee: $95

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 120 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, these points are worth $1,120.

Why it's worth it: The Atmos Rewards Ascent is most famous for its annual Companion Fare. This benefit allows the cardholder to book a paid round-trip economy airfare on the airline and add a companion for only $99 (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.

Best of all, the primary ticket can be purchased for someone else, too. Both the first passenger and the companion earn miles and are eligible for upgrades, just like with a paid ticket.

The card provides one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation. With checked bag fees of $45 each way for your first bag, that's a savings of $90 per person on every round-trip flight.

To learn more, read our full review of the Atmos Rewards Ascent.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature credit card

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select

The Citi Platinum Select is a great option for American Airlines loyalists who don't want to pay more than $150 in annual fees. It comes with bonus categories to earn more miles for your spending and a solid welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee, then $99 after the first year

Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, these miles are worth $800.

Why it's worth it: The AAdvantage Platinum Select is a solid option for American Airlines devotees.

When it comes to cardholder benefits, you'll receive your first checked bag free for you and up to four companions, preferred boarding and an inflight discount on food and beverage purchases.

With the AAdvantage Platinum Select, you'll also earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants, gas stations and on eligible American Airlines purchases, plus 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select.

Related: 6 reasons to get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card

Delta SkyMiles Gold

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex is an excellent mid-tier card option for travelers who fly Delta at least once a year.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter

Welcome bonus: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 80,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, these miles are worth up to $960.

Why it's worth it: If you have the Delta Gold Amex, you can enjoy Zone 5 priority boarding and your first checked bag free when flying Delta. You don't have to pay for the flights with your Delta card to receive free checked bags, and you'll get this perk for the cardmember flying and up to eight companions on the same reservation.

People with Delta cards also receive 15% off award redemptions, which is an excellent perk if you're hoping to maximize SkyMiles.

To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

JetBlue Plus

The JetBlue Plus card is a solid option for earning JetBlue miles, which could be advantageous for frequent domestic travelers in the U.S. near the airline's hubs.

Annual fee: $99

Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full in the first 90 days from account opening.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, these points are worth $945.

Why it's worth it: The JetBlue Plus is a solid airline card, offering strong bonus categories such as restaurants and eligible grocery stores, free checked bags, inflight savings and a JetBlue Vacations statement credit.

Since JetBlue's network focuses heavily on domestic routes to popular destinations, this card could be a great option for those looking to bolster their experience when flying within the U.S.

If you're a JetBlue fan, the JetBlue Plus is likely the best option all around — regardless of your annual fee tolerance.

To learn more, read our full review of the JetBlue Plus.

Related: Why the JetBlue Plus Card remains firmly in my wallet

United Explorer

The United Explorer Card is ideal for United flyers who want an airline card with a modest annual fee.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter

Welcome bonus: Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user to your account within the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, these miles are worth up to $1,080.

Why it's worth it: For a lower annual fee, the United Explorer is packed with perks. First of all, cardholders and one travel companion on the same reservation receive one checked bag free.

The card also offers excellent perks to make travel days smoother, such as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus, and two one-time United Club passes each cardholder anniversary year.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer.

Apply here: United Explorer Card

Bottom line

An airline card with an annual fee of $150 or less can be a great option for a semifrequent traveler looking for some perks when flying with their preferred carrier.

The benefits of these cards, such as free checked bags and inflight discounts, can be easy to use and especially helpful for those looking for value and comfort on their travels.

Plus, if you're not experienced with earning points and miles, a card with an annual fee of $150 or less can be a great place to start.

Related: Which airline credit cards offer the best priority boarding perks?

For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.

Spirit Airlines has issued refunds for most customers who had flights booked with the airline, representatives for the bankrupt company said Monday — that is, passengers who paid with a credit or debit card.

Flyers who booked Spirit flights with points or vouchers will likely face an uphill climb toward a refund, after the airline abruptly grounded all its planes and halted all operations over the weekend.

Meanwhile, travelers were still working to get home Monday, and other airlines began to swoop in with new routes, filling a void left by Spirit — after transporting its workers and passengers over the weekend.

And some 17,000 now-former Spirit employees entered the new week without jobs.

Here's the latest on what to know about the biggest collapse of a U.S. airline in a generation.

Spirit Airlines refund status

For months, as rumors swirled about Spirit's financial woes, one big question remained: What would happen to consumers' money if they booked a flight and then the airline shut down?

That question seems to have been answered.

Spirit on Monday confirmed it had automatically processed the vast majority of refunds for passengers who had booked their flights via a credit or debit card.

Because those refunds were processed over the weekend, though, the defunct airline's website said it "may take time" for refunds to appear on card statements.

Multiple TPG staffers who had future Spirit flights booked for spring and summer have yet to receive refunds.

If days (and weeks) pass without seeing the refund processed, it might be time to consider backup options via your credit card company.

Read more:

• Will your credit card reimburse you for Spirit Airlines tickets?
• How (and when) to dispute a credit card charge

Bags and other add-on fees

The airline claims it will also process refunds for add-on items like baggage, seats and inflight Wi-Fi paid for prior to May 2.

Bad news about points and vouchers

Unfortunately, the news is far less promising for passengers who booked flights with vouchers or made reservations with Free Spirit points.

Spirit's official online guidance said decisions on making customers whole for those bookings would be determined at a later date via the bankruptcy court process.

But according to sources familiar with the proceedings, it's highly unlikely those customers will receive reimbursement.

That's bad news for both award redemptions and voucher bookings, as well as for customers who earned Spirit points through flights and spending on the airline's cobranded credit card.

Prior to the wind-down of Spirit operations this weekend, TPG valued its points at roughly 1.1 cents apiece.

Passengers scramble to get home

While Spirit executed what it called an "orderly wind-down" of its operations over the weekend, passengers in the middle of their trips faced chaotic conditions as they tried to get home.

Vanessa Jimenez had flown with her family from Texas to Florida for a dance competition, only to learn early Saturday morning that her return flight had been abruptly canceled, along with every other Spirit departure.

She'd pondered driving home to the Houston area before learning that other carriers were offering rescue fares to help stranded flyers get home.

"I jumped on United and got us a one-way flight for $200 each," Jimenez said. "Little more than we were planning to spend and a little bit more than what Spirit charged us, but it was the easiest way to get home versus having to drive a 15-hour drive."

She's not alone.

In the first 12 hours after Spirit shut down early Saturday, United Airlines, for one, said it helped the budget carrier's passengers book 14,000 tickets.

A host of other U.S. carriers were offering price-capped backup options, too.

Long-term worries

Even after every passenger and Spirit employee returns home, the implications for consumers remain, with the loss of a budget airline that long helped keep fares in check across the industry.

"Spirit's Big Front Seat was the best deal in the sky," shared Alex, a reader in our TPG Lounge on Facebook, calling Spirit's demise — and that of its popular first class-ish product — a "huge, huge loss."

Another reader, Seth, recalled how the airline's affordable last-minute fares helped him fly during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and again when his daughter was born.

"They enabled so many people to travel who couldn't otherwise on other U.S. carriers," a third reader, Greg, shared.

Jimenez, for her part, wasn't optimistic about getting a refund — "probably not," she said — but what struck her most was the end of an airline that, for all its add-on fees, was the ticket to the sky for so many.

"I think it was affordable for a lot of people, and a lot of families," she said. "I'm sad and irritated for myself, but I think I'm more sad for the thousands of people that are losing their jobs."

TPG's complete coverage of Spirit Airlines' shutdown:

• The latest: Spirit Airlines goes out of business, cancels all flights
• What you can do: Refunds and consumer protections for Spirit flyers
• Rescue fares: What to know about booking on other airlines
• Getting your money back: Will your credit card reimburse you for your ticket?
• Picked Spirit for your Amex airline selection? How to update it
• Other airlines swoop in: JetBlue adds 11 routes, fills Spirit's gap at major Florida airport
• Had elite status with Spirit? Here are the airlines offering status matches
• An ode to Spirit: Yeah, they were all yellow

With Spirit Airlines officially ceasing operations, American Express cardmembers who selected the airline for certain benefits will need to choose a new qualifying carrier.

Specifically, those with the American Express Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or American Express® Corporate Gold Card — will need to take action on their airline fee credit or 35% airline bonus.

If you selected Spirit Airlines as your preferred airline for one of these perks, you need to update your selection as soon as possible. You can do so by starting a chat in the American Express app or calling the number on the back of your card. Here's what you should know.

The information for the American Express Corporate Gold Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

How to update your American Express preferred airline after Spirit's shutdown

If you hold an eligible American Express card with these benefits and previously selected Spirit Airlines as your preferred airline, here are the steps you should take as soon as possible, broken down by card.

These details have been confirmed with an American Express spokesperson.

*Enrollment is required.
^The airline you select for the incidental credit on the Amex Business Platinum is also the only airline you can apply the 35% airline bonus toward.

Now that Spirit is no longer an eligible airline for these Amex benefits, here is the list of remaining carriers to select from:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Remember, you can use your airline incidental credits for multiple types of purchases, including (but not limited to) checked bag fees, seat assignments and inflight food and beverages.

Related: Major airlines offer rescue fares, backup options to stranded Spirit customers, employees

Bottom line

Spirit Airlines has shuttered operations, so select Amex cardmembers who chose the airline as their preferred carrier may need to update their selection to continue using their benefits for the rest of the year.

You can chat with a representative in the Amex app or call the number on the back of your card if you need to take action.

With hundreds of dollars in statement credits at stake, it's worth taking a moment to review your selection.

Related: Will your credit card reimburse you for Spirit Airlines tickets?

Airport lounges have quickly become one of the hottest battlegrounds among credit card issuers, and the competition is only getting more intense.

Chase is making strides with its Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club. But as you might expect, getting in requires holding the right credit card.

Right now, eight Chase lounges are open across the U.S., with two more on the way in Dallas and Los Angeles.

Although American Express remains the undisputed heavyweight in this arena with its Global Lounge Collection, Capital One has also made a foray into the field with its Capital One airport lounges.

With new lounges opening all the time, it's more important than ever to know your lounge options before heading to the airport

Here's the latest on the current and future Sapphire Lounges, plus what to expect and how to access them.

Chase Sapphire Lounge locations

Currently, eight clubs are open:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Terminal B-to-C connector; lounge opened May 2023
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.: Terminal A; lounge opened March 2024
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas: Terminal 1 C gates; lounged opened December 2025
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City: Terminal 4; lounge opened January 2024
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City: Terminal B; lounge opened January 2024
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Terminal D/E Connector; lounge opened February 2025
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Terminal 4 South Concourse 1; lounge opened November 2024
• San Diego International Airport (SAN): Terminal 2 West; lounge opened December 2024

Additionally, confirmed plans call for lounges in the following two airports:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Tom Bradley International Terminal; opening date to be determined
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Terminal D; opening date to be determined

Chase is partnering with Airport Dimensions to build out its lounges. Airport Dimensions currently operates over two dozen lounges worldwide, most of which are branded as "The Club" or "Club Aspire" and are largely accessible via Priority Pass membership.

Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership actually worth it?

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) lounge

This location was the first proper Chase lounge to open in the U.S. and is easily accessible for passengers departing from any terminal. It's located in the terminal B-to-C connector.

It offers a spacious and well-lit environment with great views for planespotting.

The lounge features a self-service buffet, the option to order from an a la carte menu using QR codes, a full-service bar offering locally inspired cocktails and a unique tavern with craft beer.

Additionally, the lounge provides wellness rooms with massage chairs and comfortable loungers for relaxation.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) lounge

The Etihad Lounge in Dulles is in Terminal A near Gate A14. Like the lounge at JFK, this is an Etihad Lounge that received a Chase revamp.

It's small but features two levels with ample seating and outlets, gender-neutral restrooms, a reflection room and a family room.

We'll break down how to access all of these locations below, but premium Etihad Airways passengers can also access this lounge, even without being a Chase cardholder.

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) location

The issuer's lounge at LAS is located past security in Terminal 1, Concourse C, between gates 23 and 24. It opened in December 2025, spans two stories, covers 4,590 square feet and has seating options for up to 87 people.

It's especially compact compared to its fellow Sapphire lounges, but it packs a punch in ambience. The space features colorful artwork and a lively atmosphere.

Food options include Momofuku bites (pork buns and a spicy cucumber salad, anyone?). Upstairs, visitors can enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Champagne parlor.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) location

The issuer is bringing a lounge to LAX on an unconfirmed date. It will be near the west gates of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, adjacent to Gate 148.

All terminals at LAX are connected airside (postsecurity), meaning any traveler theoretically could visit this lounge, although the Tom Bradley International Terminal will be a bit out of the way for some travelers.

The new lounge will measure around 9,000 square feet, which is on the smaller side — especially for an airport the size of LAX.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) lounge

The Sapphire Lounge is located next to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4. Like the location at IAD, this space is a redesigned Etihad Lounge rather than one Chase created from scratch.

Similar to the lounge at Dulles, Etihad passengers can access this lounge without being a Chase cardholder.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) lounge

This Sapphire Lounge is located right next to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal B. The lounge is spacious and features large seating areas, a bar and dedicated family-oriented spaces, including a children's playroom and an arcade.

Additionally, it features Reserve Suites, Chase's lounge-within-a-lounge concept. While these lounges are prohibitively expensive for the average traveler, those with enough money to splurge will enjoy their own private suite for three hours.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) location

The 20,000-square-foot Chase lounge opened in February 2025. It is in the connector between Terminal D (home of Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines) and Terminal E (where gates for Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines can be found).

If you go through the Terminal D Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, it is right upstairs once you clear security.

It offers a similar layout to other Chase lounges, but with some unique features.

It's home to a wellness center, two treatment rooms offering complimentary facial treatments, two shower suites, a game room, an expansive bar with some Philadelphia Eagles-themed drinks, a beer garden and local food offerings from Middle Child Clubhouse.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) location

The Sapphire Lounge at PHX opened in November 2024 and is located at the new eight-gate facility in Terminal 4.

This new South Concourse is the home of Southwest Airlines. A connector bridge links it to the North concourses, which include gates occupied by American Airlines.

This lounge began accepting reservations in June 2025. You can reserve your spot up to three hours ahead of your scheduled departure time, and you don't have to be physically present to put in your reservation.

According to PHX board meeting documents, three major players competed for the right to the 3,500-square-foot lounge space: Chase with its Sapphire Lounge, Capital One and Escape (in partnership with American Express).

Food is available from a retrofitted Airstream food truck, and Arizona-based Press Coffee serves coffee.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) location

An 11,000-square-foot Chase lounge in San Diego's Terminal 2 West opened in December 2024.

This Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club features colorful artwork, locally inspired decor, above-average dining options and a large wraparound bar.

The lounge also features a wellness area with four private relaxation pods, a family room, a shower and an all-gender, accessible restroom.

The space is located on the mezzanine level between gates 46 and 47.

Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight

Who can access Chase Sapphire lounges?

Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees), J.P. Morgan Reserve and Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card cardholders can access these lounges.

The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve card and the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Cardholders with access can also bring up to two guests per visit for free. If you're a cardholder and wish to bring more than two guests, you'll be charged a fee. Children under 2 can enter for free, regardless of what card you carry.

Aside from simply pleasing cardholders, plotting out a lounge network appears to be a tactic Chase needs to commit to to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded field of premium rewards cards, many of which are now offering lounge access.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve review: A premium card for power travelers

Can I access Chase lounges without a Chase card?

All Priority Pass members can access a Chase Lounge once per calendar year and purchase guest access for a fee, even if the membership is through a different credit card.

Select Etihad travelers (the airline's Gold and Platinum elite members and those flying in business or first class on Etihad-operated flights) can visit the JFK and IAD locations before their flights.

Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges

Bottom line

For years, Amex's network of Centurion Lounges was the only major player in the card-run lounge space.

But there's little doubt that the airport lounge competition is intensifying among major credit card issuers. With the competition pushing issuers to up their game, travelers are the real winners here.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Learn more: Ritz-Carlton Credit Card review

Two rooftop pools, a 2,300-seat Live Nation event space and a Trader Joe's grocery store are just some of the enticing amenities in a major new mixed-use development that's under construction near downtown Seattle.

However, it's the fuselage of a decommissioned Boeing 747-400 airplane (tail number N178UA) suspended between the project's two 48-story residential towers that is drawing flocks of AvGeeks, locals and Instagram-seeking visitors to the building site.

"We are Jet City, so why not add the aircraft that revolutionized modern air travel?" said Matthew Burchette, senior curator at Seattle's Museum of Flight, which displays the first 747 ever built, serial number 001. "Plus, it's just cool."

At 250 feet long and 65 feet tall, the aircraft is part of the 1200 Stewart St. project dubbed "Aero1200," originally designed by Henriquez Partners Architects in partnership with Vancouver-based Westbank.

The development broke ground in 2018 but was delayed for many years by the coronavirus pandemic, strikes and a variety of financial, labor and legal issues that beset Westbank. OP Trust, based in Toronto, is now in charge of the project.

The airplane-as-architectural element is intended to be eye-catching, of course. But it is also meant to be a nod to Boeing's legacy, its birth in Seattle and the company's iconic 747 aircraft — the "Queen of the Skies" — which was in production at Boeing's Everett, Washington, factory from 1968 through early 2023.

"We are looking to both recognize that legacy and at the same time, point to the future of Seattle," Westbank said in a statement early in the project.

Putting the 747 fuselage into the blueprints for the development was likely the easy part. Getting the fuselage from the aircraft boneyard in Victorville, California, to Seattle was more complicated.

According to JTM Construction, the project's current Seattle-based general contractor, the original plans for the development showed the 747 as a complete, uncut aircraft. But for transport, the plane was cut into 39 pieces in order to be transported on flatbed trucks.

"There are oversized loads and then there are super loads, which are over 16 feet wide," Aaron O'Kelly, JTM's senior project engineer, said. "The first 16 of the 39 pieces were considered super loads, and to haul those, we had to have a police escort from California all the way to Washington."

Police escorts, special permits and middle-of-the-night street shutdowns were then required to haul the plane's pieces from Toledo, Washington, about 100 miles to the construction site in a congested part of downtown Seattle. Finally, in November 2025, JTM and its construction subcontractors were able to start splicing the plane back together.

"We cut out the floor that was in the plane and now we're basically wrapping the original fuselage pieces around a new steel structural floor that connects the two buildings," O'Kelly told TPG. "We are estimating that it will take over 60,000 new fasteners — rivets and bolts to put the plane back together."

The fully intact cockpit was recently installed. Next comes the vertical stabilizer, the tail and the nose.

"The nose will be the last official piece," O'Kelly said, noting that with buildings, there is usually a topping-out party when the final beam is put in place. "We're thinking that when we put the nose on as our last piece, that will be the ceremonial thing."

Right now, there are no confirmed tenants or set uses for the 747 fuselage in the 1200 Stewart Street project — but there are plenty of ideas floating about.

"Maybe they could put a cafe in there. Or a dance floor. Or just imagine a bowling alley inside of a 747," said Mike Kloppenberg, an aircraft maintenance assistant in collections at the Museum of Flight who recently toured the site. "Whatever they do, it's just great that this fuselage is being put to good use."

Two titans come to mind when talking about the premium card market: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and the American Express Platinum Card®.

Both cards provide top-tier benefits to enhance the travel experience and useful statement credits with savings at popular merchants. But which one deserves a spot in your wallet?

Here's a side-by-side comparison of all the perks that come with the Amex Platinum and Sapphire Reserve to help you make that decision.

Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve comparison

*Enrollment required

Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve welcome offer

When considering a new premium card with a high annual fee, a large welcome offer will help you recoup some of that cost.

With the Amex Platinum, new cardmembers can find out their offer to see if they are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

The Amex Platinum bonus is worth up to $3,500 based on TPG's May 2026 valuations.

Meanwhile, new Sapphire Reserve cardholders can earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The Sapphire Reserve bonus is worth $3,075, per our May 2026 valuations.

It's worth noting that the Sapphire Reserve's bonus is easier to attain thanks to its lower spending requirement when compared to the Amex Platinum's.

Keep bonus eligibility for both cards in mind.

• Amex only allows you to earn a welcome offer on a card once per lifetime, so if you aren't targeted for the highest offer, it may be worth holding off until you are.
• Chase also limits bonus eligibility. If you've previously received a Sapphire Reserve welcome offer, regardless of how much time has passed since you were last approved, you more than likely aren't eligible to receive another welcome bonus on that card.

Winner: Amex Platinum, if you're able to receive the highest targeted offer.

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses

Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve benefits

The Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum are two of the most expensive products in the card market.

Despite such high annual fees, each card provides benefits that help you recoup more than you're paying. Here's how each card's benefits compare.

Travel benefits

Both cards provide similar travel perks, including hotel statement credits and membership credits for travel programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

The tie-breaker here, however, is the Sapphire Reserve's easy-to-use $300 travel credit — especially compared to the more restrictive perks of the Amex Platinum.

The Amex Platinum provides complimentary Gold status in Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus Leaders Club Sterling Status from The Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required).

The Sapphire Reserve provides complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027).

Plus, if you spend at least $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve in a previous calendar year, you can unlock:

• IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
• World of Hyatt Explorist status

Then there's the airport lounge access offered by both cards.

Eligible Amex Platinum cardmembers receive access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass™ lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta Air Lines flights; limited to 10 visits) and more (enrollment may be required).

Cardmembers can unlock Centurion Lounge guest privileges after spending $75,000 in a calendar year.

The Sapphire Reserve provides access to Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations, and lets you bring in up to two guests for no additional fee or minimum spending requirement.

Cardholders also get access to select Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes in Canada, Europe and the U.S. when traveling on a Star Alliance airline.

Despite its smaller footprint, Sapphire Lounges could be more preferable for those who travel with companions since you can bring up to two guests into the lounge, whereas you'd have to reach a minimum spending requirement on the Amex Platinum to earn guest privileges.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. This is due to its approachable statement credits and guest privileges at Sapphire Lounges.

Dining benefits

Premium cards also provide cardmembers with benefits at home, including food delivery and dining perks.

The Sapphire Reserve's dining-related perks include up to a $300 annual dining credit at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables via OpenTable.

The Amex Platinum provides an up to $400 Resy statement credit (up to $100 each quarter) per calendar year for dining at eligible U.S. restaurants and access to special reservations at highly acclaimed participating restaurants through Platinum Nights by Resy (enrollment required).

By comparison, the Resy credit can be used at over 10,000 restaurants in the U.S., whereas the Sapphire Reserve's $300 credit is valid only at select OpenTable restaurants in roughly 50 U.S. cities.

On a positive note, neither the Amex Platinum nor the Sapphire Reserve requires a reservation to use the dining credits.

Winner: Amex Platinum. It has a higher dining statement credit value and is available at more restaurants across the U.S.

Entertainment and lifestyle benefits

The Amex Platinum's benefits extend into lifestyle perks.

As noted above, cardmembers earn statement credits with notable brands such as up to $75 a quarter at Lululemon in-store (U.S.) and online (excluding outlets), up to $200 each calendar year for an Oura Ring (hardware only), up to $120 annually for an Uber One membership (subject to auto-renewal) and up to $12.95 a month (plus applicable taxes) for one Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal; Plus-Ups excluded).

Additional lifestyle statement credits include an up to $300 Equinox statement credit (subject to auto-renewal) and an up to $300 SoulCycle statement credit.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

While Amex overwhelms with niche statement credits, Chase keeps it simple and provides up to a $300 annual statement credit for StubHub or Viagogo (activation required; through Dec. 31, 2027) and complimentary memberships for Apple TV+ and Apple Music (a one-time activation required per service; through June 22, 2027).

Additionally, Amex provides up to $25 in monthly statement credits for streaming services (enrollment required). Amex Platinum is also the king of streaming service providers because, as Walmart+ members, cardmembers get access to either Paramount+ Essential (separate enrollment required) or a Peacock Premium plan.

The Amex Platinum clearly offers more lifestyle-oriented statement credits, but many of these credits don't mean much to every cardmember, and cardmembers wind up going out of their way to use them just because the card offers them. Otherwise, these benefits are generally not on their radar.

Winner: Tie. If the Amex Platinum statement credits apply to you, it's worth it; otherwise, the Sapphire Reserve credits are easier to use.

Travel protections

The Sapphire Reserve comes with its industry-leading travel protections:

• Baggage delay insurance
• Emergency medical and dental benefits
• Primary car rental insurance
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Trip delay insurance

Chase has historically been the leader in travel insurance, thanks to its generous terms. Amex has partially closed the gap, adding a suite of travel protection benefits to the Amex Platinum Card

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. It offers better overall coverage.

Related: How to decide if a credit card's annual fee is worth paying

Earning points on the Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

Although the welcome offer is a good way to start your points balance, you want a card that'll help you quickly earn valuable transferable points.

The Amex Platinum earns:

• 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Sapphire Reserve's offers a broader range of bonus categories and earns:

• 10 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 31, 2027), with a maximum of 50,000 points
• 8 points per dollar spent on all Chase Travel purchases, including The Edit
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotel purchases made directly with the merchant
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining purchases
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Amex Platinum is best for those with significant airfare purchases (as it provides a terrific 10% return based on TPG's May 2026 valuations), but that's also where the problem lies — it's too focused on airfare purchases.

The Sapphire Reserve is a card applicable to most people as it provides a more than 16% return on Chase Travel bookings (based on TPG's May 2026 valuations). It also offers more bonus categories for earning, such as dining and hotels booked directly.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. This card offers the best bonus points across several bonus categories.

Related: Best rewards credit cards

Redeeming points on the Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards are similarly valued at 2.05 and 2 cents apiece, respectively, according to TPG's May 2026 valuations.

Chase provides an additional bonus for booking through the Chase Travel portal, thanks to Points Boost.

Add this to Chase's list of its 13 airline and hotel transfer partners, and you have many options to choose from.

Meanwhile, the Amex Platinum offers more ways to use your points thanks to 17 airline and three hotel transfer partners. Unfortunately, compared to Chase, American Express Travel redemptions are only 1 cent per point for flight bookings and 0.7 cents per point for hotel reservations.

Points earned from the Amex Platinum and the Sapphire Reserve can be redeemed for nontravel redemptions such as cash back, statement credits and gift cards, but these redemptions generally yield poor value.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. The card has a higher redemption value for travel.

Transferring points on the Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve

You'll almost always get better value whenever transferring your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. All Chase partner transfers are at a 1:1 ratio, and most of them are instant. An especially valuable transfer partner is World of Hyatt.

On the airline side, popular transfer partners include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Southwest Rapid Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Meanwhile, Amex Membership Rewards has 20 transfer partners, though not all are worthwhile. Some transfer ratios are below 1:1, and some transfer times are longer, which can be risky, as award space may disappear while you wait.

I have both the Amex Platinum and the Sapphire Reserveand prefer transferring my points to programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club and British Airways Club.

For example, I transferred points from my Sapphire Reserve to Aeroplan to book a multicity stopover ticket in business class throughout Europe for my family. Due to higher summer pricing, the cost would've been well over $2,000 if I'd paid cash for the flights.

Winner: Tie. Although the Sapphire Reserve has better transfer ratios, the Amex Platinum has more partners, including some not found with other issuers.

Related: A complete list of transfer bonuses over the past decade — which issuer is the most generous?

Should I get the Amex Platinum or Sapphire Reserve?

Choose the Amex Platinum if you maximize credits and luxury perks; choose the Sapphire Reserve if you value flexibility and hassle-free rewards.

The Amex Platinum is ideal for frequent flyers who want premium travel benefits, elite hotel status and a wide range of lifestyle credits that can easily outweigh the annual fee when fully used.

The Sapphire Reserve is better for travelers who want simplicity, flexible redemptions and strong everyday earning on dining, travel and Chase Travel bookings. Its easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit and industry-leading travel protections make it the more practical premium card for most people.

Bottom line

If your lifestyle revolves around high-end travel, frequent flights and you love using statement credits for hotel stays, dining, streaming and memberships, the Amex Platinum can offer massive value.

But if you prefer a simpler, more versatile rewards structure that works reliably for flights, hotels, dining and travel — with fewer hoops and broader redemption flexibility — the Sapphire Reserve is the more pragmatic choice.

If you travel often and spend heavily, combining both can maximize benefits. But for most people, the Reserve will deliver the best balance of rewards, flexibility and ease.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and the Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Amex Platinum
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Travel expert and host, Samantha Brown, has traveled more than 2.5 million miles and journeyed to over 65 countries throughout her storied career. During the most recent season of her Emmy Award-winning PBS series "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," Brown added 2,448 miles to that total by completing her multi-year Route 66 road trip, spanning all eight states along the Mother Road.

"The history of Route 66 is fascinating, and I met so many wonderful people. That's why it's called the Mother Road; it really is what gave birth to this nation's tenacity, spirit and incredible optimism," Brown told TPG. "I don't say this lightly, but in my 26 years of travel it's the most incredible trip I've ever taken," she added.

Related: 8 best road trips for visiting national parks

Nov. 11, 2026, marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, with celebrations taking place throughout the year. Whether you plan to tackle your own Route 66 road trip or you have other summertime road trip plans, Brown shared some of the items she always keeps in the car for long journeys. We threw in a few of our own TPG-tested travel items to create the ultimate road trip packing list.

Frisbee or ball

"I've done a lot of road trips with my kids, so we always pack a Frisbee or a ball," Brown said. "We aren't sports people at all, but you want to leave time to relax, rest and stretch your legs." When you pack a Frisbee, ball or other portable outdoor game, your rest stops can turn into opportunities for a mental and physical reset after hours spent cooped up together in the car.

Buy on Amazon: 8-in-1 sports combo play set, $24.97

Snacks and water

Sure, you could stop at gas stations along the way for provisions, but that will get expensive pretty quickly. Instead, start your trip with a stash of snacks and drinks, and make just one or two stops for those special "comfort road trip snacks." For me, those include Nerds Gummy Clusters, Pizza Combos and a fountain Diet Coke that is entirely too large for human consumption.

If you want to protect the environment while protecting the cash in your wallet, invest in a reusable water bottle (or several if you are traveling with family). You can fill them up before you leave and refill them with water from the fountain machines at a gas station.

Buy on Amazon: CamelBak Chute water bottle, $19

Emergency kit

Buying an emergency roadside kit is a lot like purchasing car insurance. You hope you never need to use it, but you will be grateful you spent the money if you do. A well-rounded emergency kit includes items such as jumper cables, tire repair tools, a flashlight, a portable air compressor, safety gear and a first-aid kit.

Buy on Amazon: Car emergency kit, $89.99

Wet wipes

Whether you are traveling with kids or not, wet wipes can come in handy. Whether it's sticky hands or a questionable gas station pump, wet wipes can quickly put those messes in the rearview. Opt for antibacterial wipes in a resealable package that sanitize as they clean and store easily in the glove compartment.

Buy on Amazon: WipeEssentials hand sanitizer wipes, $9.99 for a 3-pack

Portable charger

In addition to charging cables you likely already keep in your car, it's a good idea to have a portable power bank on hand for on-the-go charging. This is especially true if you are traveling with a large group or have multiple devices to charge. Look for a portable charger that can charge several devices simultaneously and make sure the battery is full before you leave for your trip.

Buy on Amazon: Anker 3-port power bank, $49.99

Comfortable clothing

Brown also recommends traveling in comfortable clothing. "When I fly, I usually have one or two really nice outfits, but on a road trip, everything is super casual," she said. "Everything I am wearing needs to be able to transition pretty easily from sitting in a car to going for a hike or stopping for a bite to eat," she added.

When speaking with TPG staffers, a few added that they also keep a blanket or sweatshirt in the car when they travel, since it's hard to find a temperature that pleases everyone and if you run cold, this can come in handy.

Buy on Amazon: EverSnug 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow, $29.95

Game and activities

Even the most resplendent landscape can get a bit monotonous after a while, particularly for kiddos, and it helps to have some games and activities to help pass the time. This could be something as simple as looking for license plates from all 50 states to seatback iPad holders so kids can watch a movie rather than asking "are we there yet?" for the 75th time.

Below are a few activities that can help keep boredom at bay:

Buy on Amazon: LCD writing tablet, $15.99

Buy on Amazon: Melissa & Doug reusable games activity book, $8.99

Buy on Amazon: Road trip car bingo, $12.49

Buy on Amazon: Seatback iPad holder, $17.99

Related: The 12 best road trips to take with your family this summer

Sunglasses

Forgetting your sunglasses is a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things, but it doesn't feel that way when the sun is glaring through the windshield, and you still have several hours of driving in front of you. That's why many TPG staffers keep an emergency pair of sunglasses in the car at all times.

Don't worry too much about the style ... you'll only need them if you forget your stylish sunnies at home. These sunglasses are just a backup plan to shield you from the sun, not to make a fashion statement.

Buy on Amazon: 3-pack polarized sunglasses: $23.99

Trash bags

For better or worse, garbage and road trips go hand in hand. A grocery bag or small trash bag can work just fine in this situation, but there are also garbage bag systems made specifically for your car. They come with multiple bags that attach to the back of your car seat, so when you remove a full bag, a new one is waiting right behind it.

Buy on Amazon: Tossits recycled disposable car trash bags, $12.99

Map or guidebook

As Brown prepared to complete the entirety of Route 66, she didn't rely solely on a map app or GPS. She turned frequently to Jerry McClanahan's "Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers." In addition to detailed maps, this Route 66 guide includes information on restaurants, must-see attractions and even interactive games and scavenger hunts you can play along your journey.

"[Route 66] ebbs and flows through interstates and the historic sections, so you need to be very mindful that you're on the right road," Brown said. "His guide literally helps you mile by mile," she added.

Whether you are navigating dirt roads or a more well-paved path, using a guidebook to the area you are visiting can be beneficial beyond just directions. They can help you discover a destination from a local's perspective, with tips, dining recommendations, photo opportunities and more.

Buy on Amazon: "Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers - 6th Edition", $42.30

Anti-nausea bracelets or medicine

Some people are more prone to travel nausea than others. If you are among those unfortunate enough to suffer from travel-related tummy troubles, there are several remedies that can ease your symptoms. Some of the most helpful tips are to avoid reading books or looking at your phone. Eating mint-flavored candies can help, too. But, if you need something more effective, look for anti-nausea wristbands or over-the-counter medications (these are only recommended for passengers, not drivers).

Buy on Amazon: Dramamine Less Drowsy Nausea Relief Tablets, $7.72

Buy on Amazon: Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Accupressure Wristband, $10.99

AAA membership

If you disregard those AAA membership mailers that show up in your mailbox once or twice a year, it's time to reconsider this service. AAA's benefits go beyond roadside assistance, though you can dial up the membership services line for flat tires, dead batteries and more. AAA also provides travel planning services, discounted theme park and attraction tickets, member-only hotel and car rental rates and more.

AAA memberships start at $72 per year with up to two additional cardholders for free. Learn more here.

Downloaded maps and entertainment

When you drive from sea to shining sea (or anywhere in between), you are likely to encounter spotty cell service along the way. To make sure you don't get lost or bored when this happens, download maps, movies, games, music and TV shows to your device before you travel.

Apple Maps offers downloadable offline maps, so you are never without driving or walking directions when navigating a new locale. While not quite as vital, it's also smart to download entertainment to your phone or tablet to ensure you can still listen to your favorite road trip playlist even in the middle of nowhere.

If you had elite status with Spirit, you may now be searching for a new primary airline. Or, even if Spirit wasn't your primary airline, you may be looking to leverage your status into something useful now that Spirit Airlines has gone out of business.

Luckily, several airlines are specifically offering status matches for travelers with Spirit status. You could also try other airline status matches if you happened to grab screenshots of your account page and membership details before Spirit discontinued operations. Otherwise, the following airlines that are specifically promoting status matches for Spirit elite members will be your best bet.

Avelo

Avelo Airlines, which serves as an alternative for 29 routes previously flown by Spirit, is offering Spirit Saver$ Club members a no-cost status match into the Avelo Plus membership program. Avelo Plus typically costs $59 for your first year and $99 for subsequent years.

To be eligible, you must have joined the Spirit Saver$ Club before May 1, not be a former or current Avelo Plus member and submit either a screenshot of your Spirit profile clearly showing Saver$ Club membership status or a screenshot from the last 12 months showing your Spirit Saver$ Club payment confirmation, enrollment or renewal confirmation email.

If you submit a match on this page by May 31 and are approved (which usually takes 7 to 10 business days), you can enjoy Avelo Plus benefits for a year from when you're approved. Benefits of Avelo Plus include exclusive fares and deals, priority boarding and other perks that extend to up to nine travel companions.

Related: Avelo consolidates bases and fleet, ends deportation flights amid broader restructuring

JetBlue TrueBlue

JetBlue TrueBlue is offering a limited-time opportunity for Free Spirit Silver and Gold members to request a status match. Especially if you frequently flew Spirit to, from or through Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue may be a compelling new option for your loyalty.

Free Spirit Silver members can match to Mosaic 1, and Gold members can match to Mosaic 2 status, on JetBlue's status match page. You'll need to submit a screenshot of your frequent flyer program profile showing your full name and proof of status (if you didn't take a screenshot before the airline ceased operations, a recent email with this information might suffice). And if you're matching to Mosaic 2, you'll also need to include a screenshot or photo of your most recent boarding pass or flight confirmation email showing your status.

It may take up to four weeks for your match to be considered. The match will be good for three months from when it is approved (you'll get an email once it's approved), but you can extend your new Mosaic status through the following calendar year by earning and receiving the following number of tiles within your three-month match period:

• 10 tiles to keep Mosaic 1
• 25 tiles to keep Mosaic 2
• 40 tiles to earn Mosaic 3

As a reminder, you'll earn 1 tile for every $100 in qualifying spend on JetBlue flights (including many extras & fees), JetBlue Vacations packages, and TrueBlue Travel, and for every $1,000 in qualifying spend on JetBlue credit cards.

Related: JetBlue Premier Card adds new perks, including elite status boost and spending-based companion pass

Southwest Airlines

If you have Spirit Silver or Gold status, you can use the Southwest status match program to gain A-List status for 120 days.

Plus, you can extend the promotional A-List status for an additional 12 months if you fly three qualifying round-trip flights on Southwest, fly six qualifying one-way flights on Southwest or earn at least 11,500 tier qualifying points from flights within your 120-day promotional status period.

Southwest A-List elite members enjoy a first checked bag free, Group 1 boarding, the ability to select a Preferred or Standard seat at booking for no additional cost (including for up to eight companions on the same reservation), the ability to select an extra-legroom seat within 48 hours of departure for no additional cost (including for up to eight companions on the same reservation), same-day standby access and more.

You can submit a status match request on this page. You'll need to complete a form and attach proof of your Spirit status via an elite card or statement from Spirit that clearly shows your name and Spirit status tier.

Related: The ultimate guide to Southwest credit card eligibility

Botton line

If you frequently flew Spirit, you may not know which airline or airlines will get your business in the future. But if you had elite status with Spirit, now is a good time to utilize one or more of these matches to give you some benefits in the interim.

If you have your eye on a different airline loyalty program than the ones mentioned above, check to see whether the program offers a status match option that will accept whatever proof you have of your Spirit status. And, even if they won't offer a status match, keep in mind that some credit cards can also help jump-start your status.

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the most valuable rewards currencies you can have in your wallet. Aside from possibly earning 1 to 10 points per dollar spent on select Chase-branded credit cards, you can maximize their value by transferring your hard-earned Ultimate Rewards points to one of the issuer's 14 airline and hotel partners.

Whether you want to book a flight to Europe, save on a domestic trip or stay at a high-end hotel, redeeming your Ultimate Rewards points via transfer partners can be a lucrative way to spend (and even save) your Chase points.

Here is everything to know about Chase Ultimate Rewards' transfer partners.

Related: Why I choose to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points over Amex Membership Rewards points

Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Who are the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners?

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to 10 airline programs:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• British Airways Club
• Iberia Club
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore KrisFlyer
• Southwest Rapid Rewards
• United MileagePlus
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Chase also partners with four hotel programs:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt
• Wyndham Rewards

Chase points transfer to partners at a 1:1 ratio, and transfers must be made in increments of 1,000. However, Chase occasionally offers transfer bonuses to partners, which can yield even higher value for your redemptions.

How long do Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers take?

Most transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to its partner programs are instantaneous. However, in our most recent testing, transfers to Singapore KrisFlyer took about 48 hours. Delays can happen when transferring your points for some simple reasons as well.

To facilitate the transfer process, ensure that the name on your Ultimate Rewards account matches the one on your loyalty program account. Additionally, make sure you have signed up for a loyalty program in advance, as transferring to a new account may also cause a delay.

How do you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to partners?

You can easily transfer Chase points online. First, log in to your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal. In the "Travel" drop-down menu, select "Transfer points to partners" to access the main transfer page.

You will then see the list of transfer partners and any current transfer bonuses. Select your desired transfer partner, link your external account if you have not already done so, select the number of Ultimate Rewards points you wish to transfer and then submit the transfer.

Remember, Ultimate Rewards transfers cannot be reversed, so it's best to wait until you have a specific redemption in mind before transferring points.

Related: Chase Ultimate Rewards points: How to redeem for maximum value

What are the best Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners?

If you prefer to transfer your points to one of the 10 airline program partners, the best redemption options for you can vary depending on factors such as which airlines fly to and from the destinations you wish to visit and which airlines you prefer to travel on.

However, there are notable sweet spots with certain airline transfer options, especially those programs that have retained award charts.

Here are some of our favorite partners to book using Chase points.

Book a round-trip flight to Madrid via Iberia Club

Flying from the U.S. to Spain doesn't have to set you back thousands of dollars.

Round-trip, off-peak flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) will only set you back 32,000 Avios in basic economy, 59,000 Avios in premium economy and 81,000 Avios in business class, plus applicable taxes and fees, when you transfer your Chase points to Iberia Club, though the airline sometimes runs award discounts that can mean even cheaper seats.

Considering that most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class award to Europe, an off-peak business-class flight to and from Madrid booked via Iberia Club for just 32,000 Avios round-trip is excellent value.

Book flights to Hawaii via British Airways Club

Did you know that you can book American Airlines and Alaska Airlines flights with Chase points? Though the carriers' loyalty programs are not direct transfer partners of Chase, you can book flights on these airlines by transferring your Ultimate Rewards points to British Airways Club and then redeem British Airways Avios for award flights on its Oneworld partners.

Typically, you can find saver-level award space from American's and Alaska's West Coast gateways to various airports in Hawaii in economy for 44,000 Avios round-trip, or 22,000 Avios one-way, plus minimal taxes and fees.

Book lie-flat business-class seats to London via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Is London calling? Though Virgin Atlantic Flying Club prices its award seats dynamically, the loyalty program offers saver fares for low-demand travel dates. If you're flexible and come across availability, you could score lie-flat business-class seats from JFK to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) for as few as 29,000 points with one recent deal, though note that taxes, fees and carrier-imposed surcharges of around $700 one-way are also payable.

If you're looking to be more thrifty with your hard-earned points, you can fly the exact same route in economy for as few as 6,000 points plus about $165 in taxes and fees, depending on the direction. You can use Virgin Atlantic's reward seat checker to find saver fares or an award booking platform like Seats.aero to search dates and prices.

However, be sure to confirm award availability with the airline prior to booking a seat.

Book a stay at a top-tier Hyatt hotel via World of Hyatt

You can also get great value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards points by transferring them to World of Hyatt. The hotel loyalty program offers a very appealing award chart, which is broken up into different categories and peak, off-peak and standard dates.

By transferring your Chase points to Hyatt, you can book some of the most luxurious Park Hyatt properties in the entire portfolio, including the Park Hyatt London River Thames, starting at 25,000 points per night during off-peak dates.

TPG values Hyatt points at 1.65 cents each (per our May 2026 valuations), so 25,000 points are worth $412.50. That's a great deal for hotel rooms that typically sell for over $700 per night.

Note that Hyatt will substantially change its award charts for bookings made from May 20 on.

What are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?

TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece, per our May 2026 valuations, but you can find even more value by transferring points to airline and hotel partners.

However, you'll get different values for Chase points when you pursue other redemption options.

For example, since the addition of Points Boost, Ultimate Rewards points can be worth up to 2.5 cents per point on select Chase Travel℠ bookings if you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees).

You can receive up to 1.75 cents per point through the portal if you hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees).

Related: Chase Points Boost: A valuable new redemption option or a disappointing devaluation?

How can you earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

You can earn Chase points depending on the specific Chase credit card you carry.

The following cards earn fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

However, if you have an Ultimate Rewards points-earning card, you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points, too. For this reason, having more than one Chase card can make sense to maximize your earning and redeeming potential.

Here are the four cash-back Chase cards that offer the opportunity to convert the cash-back rewards you earn into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points as a cardholder of one of the above points-earning Chase cards:

• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees): Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees): Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Bottom line

If you value the flexibility of choosing from 10 airline partners and four hotel partners, Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the best points programs out there.

In the age of no-notice devaluations by some loyalty programs, it is smart to earn Ultimate Rewards points via credit card welcome offers, category bonuses and everyday spending and then keep your points until you are ready to transfer and book with an airline or hotel partner, which is why earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points is an exceptionally savvy travel strategy.

Premium credit cards can unlock luxury perks, airport lounge access and high-value rewards, but they can also come with hefty annual fees and a laundry list of benefits. So how do you know which one is actually worth it?

To help you decide, we've compared some of the top premium rewards cards across the factors that matter most — from welcome offers and earning rates to lounge access and statement credits — so you can find the right fit for your travel habits and spending style.

Here are the nine premium credit cards included in our comparison:

• American Express Platinum Card®: Best for premium lifestyle and travel benefits
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best flat-rate reward-earning premium credit card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Best for all-around travel
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Best for getting American Airlines flyers into the Admirals Club
• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best for earning Citi ThankYou Rewards points
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Delta Air Lines flyers who want elite status boosts and Delta Sky Club access
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Best for Hilton loyalists who want top-tier Diamond status
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Best for Marriott loyalists who want Platinum Elite status
• United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best for United Airlines flyers who want premium perks and access to United Clubs

Methodology for comparing the best premium credit cards

For this comparison, we'll compare these cards across seven categories:

• Annual fee
• Current welcome offer
• Potential to earn points
• Redemption options
• Statement credits and notable perks
• Lounge access
• Travel and purchase protections

This analysis is based on an everyday traveler trying to decide which one of these cards is right for them. Since premium credit cards offer different perks and benefits, the card that's right for your wallet depends on your specific needs.

Comparison of the best premium cards

*Welcome offer value is an estimated value based on TPG's May 2026 valuations and is not provided by the issuer.

Annual fee

When evaluating a card's annual fee, weigh the benefits and statement credits it offers to see whether the value justifies the cost. Some cards with high annual fees can provide so much value that you might still come out ahead.

Whether or not a card charges a fee for additional cardholders also matters. Several of the cards on our list don't charge a fee for additional cardholders (though some limit the number of complimentary users you can add).

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card allows authorized users to enjoy an up-to-$400 Hilton resort statement credit each calendar year (up to $200 semiannually).

Meanwhile, authorized users on the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard receive Admirals Club access for themselves and their immediate family members or up to two traveling companions with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight.

Still, the Venture X is the winner in this category. First and foremost, its $395 annual fee is much lower than the rest of the crowd. Plus, you can add up to four authorized users for no additional charge.

But it is important to note that if your authorized user wants Capital One lounge access, you'll need to pay $125 per person for up to four authorized users.

Related: The 7 credit cards with the greatest value for authorized users

Welcome offer

All the premium cards listed above come with lucrative welcome offers that can help get you closer to your next big trip.

Cards that earn transferable rewards for their welcome offers are worth more than their cobranded counterparts.

For example, with the Amex Platinum, you can find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

The Amex Platinum welcome offer is worth up to $3,500 based on TPG's May 2026 valuations. That's substantially more valuable than virtually any cobranded card's welcome offer.

Related: The best welcome offers of the month

Points-earning potential

Another important aspect when comparing premium credit cards is the points-earning potential and the rewards you can earn.

The Sapphire Reserve, for example, comes out on top here. It offers one of the most valuable currencies for a wide variety of purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents apiece, according to TPG's May 2026 valuations.

The Strata Elite also provides high earning rates when spending through its portal. Citi ThankYou Rewards points are worth slightly less than Ultimate Rewards points, at a 1.9 cents-per-point valuation per TPG's May 2026 valuations.

Related: Maximizing credit cards to become points-rich without spending a ton

Redemption options

Another important aspect when comparing premium cards is the redemption options. Generally, the card that provides the most value is the one that offers transfer partners.

Related: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels

Statement credits and notable perks

All these premium card options offer statement credits and perks designed to provide value to cardholders. In some cases, if you use the full value of these credits and perks, you can recover your annual fee. In some cases, you might even come out ahead.

**Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Note that enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Analysis

The Amex Platinum has a slew of benefits; if you can maximize them, you will more than offset the card's annual fee. However, the value they can provide in your situation can vary.

The Sapphire Reserve also offers a lot of value. The card's best benefit is its $300 travel credit, which is higher than most competitors' and applies to any travel purchase (as opposed to just fees or airfare, like some of its competition).

The Strata Elite provides some credits and benefits to help offset its annual fee, but they aren't as plentiful or useful as other premium cards.

The Venture X also has a $300 travel credit, though it's more limited: It only applies to bookings made through Capital One Travel. On the plus side, with the 10,000 anniversary bonus miles and the full value of the travel credit, you can net positive value every year.

The cobranded hotel cards offer substantial value when staying at Hilton or Marriott properties, plus useful hotel-related statement credits and benefits like elite status and free night awards.

The cobranded airline cards provide modest statement credits, but the in-flight discounts and free checked bags can be very useful if you frequently fly on one of those airlines.

Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status

Lounge access

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Travel and purchase protections

All these cards also provide various coverages and protections when you're traveling or making purchases, which can make your life easy if things go awry. They all have some combination of the following protections and insurance:

• Primary or secondary car rental coverage
• Travel emergency assistance
• Baggage loss or damage
• Baggage delay
• Trip delay
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Travel accident insurance
• Emergency evacuation and transportation
• Purchase protection
• Return protection
• Extended warranty
• Cellphone protection

Analysis

The Sapphire Reserve is the best premium credit card here, with its slew of protections like primary car rental insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and travel accident insurance.

The Venture X comes in second, thanks to fairly comprehensive protections that include cellphone coverage.

The Amex Platinum offers significant travel insurance coverage***, but note that the rental car benefit provides secondary coverage**** and there is no baggage delay coverage.

While many of these benefits look similar overall, your best bet is to examine the differences between policies and determine how likely those are to affect your trips. All of these cards offer various protections and insurances, so analyze what is best for your needs.

***Terms, conditions and limitations apply for travel insurances and protections. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details.

****Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Related: Your complete guide to travel protections on American Express cards

Bottom line

Premium credit cards can deliver significant value, but only if their perks align with how you actually travel and spend.

With high annual fees and a wide range of benefits, the key is focusing on the features you'll use most — whether that's lounge access, statement credits or rewards earning.

Apply here: Amex Platinum
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Apply here: Citi Strata Elite
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Apply here: United Club Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors Aspire
Learn more: Capital One Venture X

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire, click here.

Local television crews pushed through the crowd of arriving passengers, looking for people to interview.

The president of the region, with other leaders in tow, staged an impromptu press conference (and photo op) on the tarmac — with the tail of a Boeing 767 serving as the backdrop.

It's a scene that might sound like a paparazzi situation or a political rally. But, it was neither.

Instead, the excitement on Saturday centered on United Airlines' first-ever arrival at Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla (BRI) in southeastern Italy — the end point of its inaugural flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The flight was a first by a North American carrier to Italy's Puglia region, which stands to make enormous gains if it can make inroads with a U.S. audience that has flocked to other parts of Italy.

Given that potential upside, it shouldn't be a surprise that United's arrival on the country's southern Adriatic coast was one of the top stories among local media in Puglia this weekend.

For Americans, it's a new and intriguing nonstop destination for travelers looking to make the transatlantic hop during the spring and summer months.

For the airline, Bari fits right in with Chicago-based carrier's goals for its international flight schedules.

"I don't want to be boring," Patrick Quayle, United's executive in charge of the airline's route planning, told me ahead of the Bari flight, about how he helps evaluate new cities for the carrier.

A part of Italy undiscovered by Americans

United's new service to Bari could elevate Italy's Puglia region in the consciousness of U.S. travelers who, along with tried-and-true places like Rome, Milan and Venice, already know secondary Italian regions like Tuscany, Umbria and Cinque Terre.

Could Puglia, located in the "heel" of Italy along the Adriatic Sea, take its place alongside other Italian regions popular among U.S. tourists?

United seems willing to find out.

United's ambitious global expansion

This new route comes as part of a broader push by the airline to grow its reach into secondary markets around the globe. Executives believe this will help differentiate the airline from its top U.S. rivals while also further engaging its loyal (and increasingly lucrative) base of frequent flyers.

"We used to only serve Rome and Milan. That was it," Qualye said. "Now Bari marks our sixth destination in Italy. ... it allows for people to experience something a bit different."

MORE: United's big reveal: 4 new destinations and 6 new routes for summer 2026

Already, that strategy has seen the airline launch service to places like Greenland, Mongolia, and Spain's Canary Islands off the coast of Africa.

The launch of the Bari flight comes just a day after United flew its first flight to Split, Croatia — another destination where it's now the first North American carrier ever to fly nonstop. The 2026 transatlantic expansion also includes service to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain and Glasgow in Scotland.

New airline math: How your points and miles are shaping where your favorite carrier flies

Fanfare for United's first Bari flight

The Bari flight took off Friday from Newark following a gate-side party — fanfare with few equivalents in the airline industry, and what's become a mainstay of United's high-profile inaugural flights under Quayle.

Some passengers — including a handful who make a pastime of joining United's inaugural flights — arrived in costumes specially designed for the occasion.

They were treated as pseudo-celebrities as the gate celebration ramped up, posing for photos with regular passengers, as well as crew and employees who were there for the flight.

Warren Rieutort-Louis, a mainstay on United inaugurals, had just taken United's inaugural from Newark to Split a day earlier. He returned immediately after arriving in Croatia so he could make it back to Newark in time for Friday's afternoon departure to Bari.

That enthusiasm for United's inaugurals underscores the connection Quayle says these new nonstop destinations — unusual for North American carriers — cultivate with its loyalty base.

No headphones? United passengers could be barred from flying

"We've created a brand at United where people know it's a one-stop shop," he said. "If United is flying there, it's going to be a wild destination or it's going to be an inspiring destination. And so I think we end up generating a buzz.

An inaugural to remember

Travelers flying the airline's high-profile inaugurals are treated to a raft of commemorative items to mark the occasion upon climbing on board.

On this Bari flight, the goodies in its Polaris business-class cabin included stuffed animals and posters bearing details of the flight, along with route-specific pajamas. The latter inevitably made for an in-cabin fashion show as customers modeled for their traveling companions.

Travelers in the carrier's Premium Plus (premium economy) cabin got their own set of inaugural swag.

In economy, passengers didn't receive the same set of goodies, but they received an inaugural welcome.

In the air

Once up in the air, even the Polaris meal was specially themed for the flight.

Selections included preparations local to Puglia, with the menu listing pan-roasted chicken alla Barese, swordfish alla pizzaiola and orecchiette alla Pugliese.

I ordered the beef option, braciole all Barese, described as thinly sliced beef served with parsley, pecorino cheese and shaved prosciutto, among other garnishes.

The meal was decent, at least as airline food goes, though it had few photogenic qualities.

The highlight for me, as is often the case, was the hot fudge sundae dessert.

Crossing the Atlantic

Eventually, the inaugural buzz wore off, and the flight slowly took on the vibe of a standard transatlantic crossing.

While travelers to Puglia likely will appreciate the nonstop connection United's new flight provides from New York, the timing of the flight is not well-suited to a natural overnight sleep.

United Flight 380 departs Newark at around 3:30 p.m. local time and lands in Bari around 6:30 a.m. local time — or just after midnight in Newark.

Even with my lie-flat Polaris seat, I found it challenging to sleep during what would have been evening local time.

And arriving in Italy at what was essentially midnight in my home time zone definitely made it difficult to stay awake and reset my body clock.

Related: Caviar, lie-flat beds and a cool snack bar: 17 hours in United's swanky new Polaris suites

On the ground

Another challenge with the new flight was that Bari's airport — getting its first transatlantic service from a major North American carrier — was a bit overwhelmed in accommodating passengers deplaning from the 167-seat Boeing 767 wide-body.

All of the passengers flowed into a remote immigration facility with just four kiosks to process arrivals.

The line of arriving passengers eventually snaked outside, prompting local officials to open up the manual processing lanes normally reserved for European Union citizens.

Still, the arrivals from United Flight 380 — coupled with a Wizz Air flight that landed shortly after — created long processing queues with wait times nearing an hour once all was said and done.

Despite that, the mood from local officials was friendly and helpful. The first-ever arrival from a U.S. carrier at Bari's airport set a celebratory (if busy) vibe.

How to book

The easiest way to book United flights with points and miles is, of course, to make a MileagePlus redemption. Keep in mind that after recent sweeping changes by the airline, members who carry a United cobranded credit card pay at least 10% fewer miles. Cardholders who also have Premier elite status get a minimum 15% discount.

Keep in mind, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards to your MileagePlus account.

Beyond that, you can also book United flights through one of its Star Alliance partners, from Air Canada's Aeroplan to Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer.

During the first few weeks of flying, both United and Air Canada Aeroplan showed availability on the Newark-Bari nonstop for just 40,000 miles one-way in economy — not including United's discounted rates for elite members and credit card holders.

Looking ahead

How United's new route to Bari ultimately performs remains to be seen: The airline has acknowledged many of these new destinations are experiments — and not all of them pan out.

Still, Italy would be a safe bet, considering travel demand to the country has remained robust for several years running.

This summer, airlines are set to fly nearly 83% more flights between the U.S. and Italy than they did a decade ago, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

And at a time when tourist taxes in Venice and reservations to access the Trevi Fountain in Rome speak to the massive crowds at the most "traditional" tourist hot spots, Puglia's beachside towns and historic hillside cities may serve as a fresh, enticing option for travelers planning their next getaway in Europe.

Related reading:

• United Airlines MileagePlus: Guide to earning and redeeming miles, elite status and more
• The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
• United Premier status: How to earn it — and is it worth it?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• United basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more

Yeah, they were all yellow ... and for a long time, those yellow planes often meant the difference between going and staying home.

$100 round trip to fly to Orlando on a whim and make some of the best memories while my kids were in their prime magic years.

$31 on a cold January morning to fly to Las Vegas and sell my business.

$19 to fly to Kansas City and see a Chiefs game with family.

2,500 miles for my retired parents to fly out west and go skiing, hiking, or just take in the mountains.

Especially in those pre-pandemic days — when shutdowns and TSA backups were less common — it was easy to just say yes to a trip, not overthink it, pack a bag and go.

To me, Spirit Airlines wasn't just that quirky airline you booked because it was the cheapest, even if it was a somewhat dreaded experience — you know, the one with the "bare fare" era and those mostly-naked ads.

I won't just remember it as the airline where you wore your bulkiest clothes onboard to avoid bag fees, where the planes looked like highlighters, where there might be ads on the overhead bins, and where there were certainly fees for everything from printed boarding passes to the right to carry your own bag onboard.

It was also so much more.

It was the airline that changed the game in the U.S. for people who otherwise couldn't afford to fly.

Think of all the moms, dads, grandparents, kids, aunts and cousins who, because of those $29 and $49 fares, got to take trips that otherwise would have been completely out of reach.

That's not some hypothetical about other families. That's my story.

And that's why — in addition to the loss of thousands of jobs — you won't find me laughing at "RIP Spirit" memes. You'll find me mourning, in my own way, and feeling deeply grateful for what that yellow airline made possible in my life.

I didn't always have a big stash of points. For many years, I lived on a pretty modest social worker's salary.

So to me, Spirit Airlines meant something simple: the freedom to go.

For $30 or so, you could toss your stuff in a backpack and be airborne.

Sure, the gates sometimes felt more like a bus terminal than an airport lounge. The seats were tight. The vibe was closer to a line at a DMV office than United's 1K boarding group.

But so what?

We all stand in line at the DMV. And we all want, sometimes, to escape our regularly scheduled lives.

And the view from 36,000 feet inside that yellow fuselage was just as good as it was from any other plane.

There are countless trips I owe to Spirit, but the one that sticks with me most is from 2018.

My kids were ages three and nine. We'd just had a perfect Disney World trip that summer, and I wanted nothing more than to see that magic on their faces again — this time with Christmas lights and decorations everywhere.

The only way to make it work was a $100 round-trip flight on Spirit that left very early in the morning.

Since I booked it on a whim, we didn't tell the kids until we woke them that morning.

I'll never forget their 5 a.m. confusion, the bed hair — and then the absolute joy when it clicked: We're going to Disney World … right now.

I remember their smiles, their laughter, and one of the last times they both wore princess dresses.

What don't I remember? Anything about the flight itself.

Other than this: it made the trip possible.

And honestly, that's exactly how it should be.

Spirit Airlines wasn't perfect. But it was safe, and it never pretended to be something it wasn't. Over three decades, it made travel more affordable while quietly reshaping airline pricing.

Even if you never flew Spirit, there's a good chance you benefited from its scrappy yellow competitor status, pushing fares down.

So tonight, the stars will shine for you, Spirit — even if, for the first time in 34 years, all your planes are watching them from the ground.

This article was first published on TPG's Talking Points Substack. To read more like this, you can subscribe for free.

TPG's complete coverage of Spirit Airlines' shutdown:

• The latest: Spirit Airlines goes out of business, cancels all flights
• What you can do: Refunds and consumer protections for Spirit flyers
• Rescue fares: What to know about booking on other airlines
• Getting your money back: Will your credit card reimburse you for your ticket?
• Other airlines swoop in: JetBlue adds 11 routes, fills Spirit's gap at major Florida airport

When it comes time to apply for your first (or fifth) travel rewards card, don't ignore the American Express® Gold Card.

The Amex Gold has popular bonus categories, such as dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, and earns valuable American Express Membership Rewards points.

And its $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) can be more than offset if you fully use the various dining and delivery-related statement credits each year.

Let's explore the reasons why the Amex Gold is a great card to consider, along with who should — and shouldn't — apply for it.

Key Amex Gold benefits

The Amex Gold's $325 annual fee might seem steep initially, but it can be fully offset if you take advantage of the card's up to $424 in annual value (enrollment required for select benefits).

You'll get up to $10 monthly in dining statement credits at participating locations such as Buffalo Wild Wings, The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Goldbelly, Grubhub, Wine.com and Wonder (up to $120 per calendar year).

As part of the card's recent refresh, Buffalo Wild Wings and Wonder were added as new partners, while Wine.com and Goldbelly will only be available through June 30 before being removed.

The update also introduced automatic Hertz Gold+ Five Star status, which includes benefits such as space-available upgrades and 25% more points earned on all rentals, totaling 1.25 points per dollar spent. Enrollment and registration are required for this benefit.

You'll also receive up to $10 per month in Uber Cash (up to $120 per calendar year), which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. (Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.)

Additionally, you'll receive up to $50 biannually in Resy statement credits (up to $100 per calendar year). These credits can be used when you pay your bill with the Amex Gold at any U.S. restaurant enrolled in the Resy program. (No reservation is required for the statement credit to trigger.)

Lastly, you can earn up to $7 in Dunkin' statement credits each month (up to $84 per calendar year). Just use your Amex Gold when you pay at a U.S. Dunkin' location.

The Amex Gold also has impressive earning categories:

• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com and the Amex Travel App™
• 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline, through AmexTravel.com or on the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid car rentals booked on AmexTravel.com and the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on cruises and other eligible travel booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else

To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the Amex Gold is also rolling out a suite of limited-time perks. Cardmembers can enroll and get a one-time statement credit of up to $96 toward an annual Uber One membership (through Oct. 30), and a 20% transfer bonus when moving Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors (through May 30).

There are also targeted Amex Travel offers at more than 250 Hotel Collection properties worldwide, which can include complimentary third or fourth nights, room discounts or on-property credits (minimum two-night stay required; available through July 15).

Eligible cardmembers may also see additional Amex Offers as part of the anniversary celebration (enrollment required; not everyone will be targeted for the same offers). Together, these promotions can further boost the card's value — especially for frequent travelers.

If you're interested in applying for the Amex Gold, find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

This welcome offer is worth up to $2,000 based on TPG's May 2026 valuations.

Who should get the Amex Gold?

People who spend a lot on dining at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets

Most people spend much of their budget at restaurants and grocery stores. If you want to up your points and miles game, you need a card in your wallet that earns a lot of rewards in these categories.

The 4 points per dollar spent earned on dining at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent) and U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent) amount to an impressive 8% return based on TPG's valuation of Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each.

The 8% return potential makes this card a no-brainer for those who spend heavily on dining out and at supermarkets.

People looking to complete the Amex trifecta

While the Amex Gold is strong on its own, it's even better as part of the Amex trifecta, alongside the American Express Platinum Card® and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

To learn more, check out our full guide to the Amex trifecta.

Related: This might be the best Amex card combo: Amex Gold and Amex Business Platinum

People who can maximize the annual statement credits

One of the greatest ways the Amex Gold adds value is through its dining statement credits and Uber Cash. If you can max them out, you'll cover the card's annual fee and come out ahead (enrollment required for select benefits).

If you eat out or get takeout from one of the partner dining merchants, you should easily maximize the up to $10 monthly dining statement credit.

Additionally, when you add your card to your Uber account, you'll receive $10 in Uber Cash deposited to your account monthly to use on U.S. rides and U.S. Uber Eats orders.

Furthermore, you'll receive up to $50 in Resy statement credits biannually. These statement credits are incredibly easy to use, given no reservation is required.

Related: 8 ways to make the most of the Amex Gold Card's benefits

People who are over 5/24 with Chase

At TPG, we almost universally recommend that you prioritize applying for Chase credit cards because of the issuer's pesky 5/24 rule. Simply put, this rule means you will be automatically rejected for most Chase cards if you've opened five or more cards in the last 24 months.

Deciding what to do after you've filled your five Chase slots can be tricky, but the Amex Gold could be a strong next move.

Not only will you immediately begin earning a valuable transferable rewards currency, but the bonus categories will also help you earn toward your next award flight or hotel stay much faster.

Related: Ignoring Chase's 5/24 rule? Here's how that could cost you hundreds of thousands of points

People targeted for a great welcome offer

Since Amex has a once-per-lifetime policy with welcome offers, it always makes sense to try for the highest offer possible. The welcome offer on the Amex Gold can vary, so try different methods until you find the best offer.

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses

Who shouldn't get the Amex Gold?

The Amex Gold has the potential to be a very lucrative card, but several groups of people might struggle to get good value from it.

People who are under 5/24 and want more Chase cards

As mentioned above, Chase's 5/24 rule is one of the most important considerations in building a starter strategy for cards. Five cards can seem like a lot to someone who has never had one before, but those slots fill quickly. Once you've used them up, it takes a while to get them back.

The Amex Gold will probably be around for a while, so there's no reason to fire off an application for it right now if it means compromising your strategy with Chase.

If you want a card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) in the near future, you should consider locking those in first.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold

People who live outside the U.S.

If you're outside the U.S., this card is far less valuable, as its U.S. supermarkets bonus category and most of its statement credits are not useful abroad.

The card's other perks, such as 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly through the airline, through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and an up to $100 statement credit each calendar year when booking through The Hotel Collection* (with every booking of two nights or more), are easily trumped by other premium rewards cards.

*Eligible charges vary by property.

Related: Earning points and miles as an expat

People who won't max out the statement credits

The up to $10 monthly Uber Cash benefit, up to $10 in monthly dining statement credits, up to $50 biannual U.S. Resy statement credit and up to $7 monthly U.S. Dunkin' statement credit you'll get on the Amex Gold can be easy for many people to use, but no card perk is a great fit for everyone.

If it sounds like you'll end up spending money you otherwise wouldn't to take advantage of the Amex Gold's benefits, you're better off getting a card that comes with perks you'll more naturally use.

It's also worth checking to see if any Dunkin' locations exist in your area. Certain states and territories like Puerto Rico, Oregon and Washington don't have any Dunkin' locations, so if you live in one of those areas, that statement credit will be fairly useless for you.

Those who live in more rural areas may find it difficult to use the Resy statement credit.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: A complete guide to the Amex Gold dining credit

People who've previously had an Amex Gold

Amex's rule on bonus eligibility states that if you have previously received the bonus on a card, you will not be eligible to receive it again. This includes the American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card, the old version of the Amex Gold, as it is still technically the same product despite undergoing a heavy makeover.

If you've had the card before, you'll likely want to get a different card that allows you to earn a welcome bonus.

The information for the Amex Premier Rewards Gold has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

People who want more comprehensive travel protections

The Amex Gold isn't among the best cards with travel protections. For example, the rental car insurance* you get with the card is secondary, which means it only applies to expenses not covered by other insurance you have.

If travel protections are important to you, you'll be better off with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, which all feature impressive travel coverage.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Bottom line

The Amex Gold is a valuable option for U.S.-based consumers who spend heavily on food and are looking for an in-between, premium-lite card that offers good returns without a hefty price tag.

If you can maximize all the benefits this card offers, it might become a cornerstone of your wallet. But if you live or frequently travel outside of the U.S. or can't max out its statement credits, you may prefer one of our other favorite travel credit cards.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Gold.

Apply here: American Express Gold

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.

After winter thaws but before summer heats up, travel feels like a cheat code. Sure, spring weather can be a little damp or variable in some places — but in others, it can also be refreshingly sunny and comfortable, lending itself to both beach days and sightseeing alike. The same goes for fall, when summer's warm temperatures and bountiful sunshine can linger throughout the day giving way to sweater weather at night.

The best part? Both spring and fall are typically when aspirational hotels can feel a little more attainable, rates-wise: The summer crowds either haven't yet come or have already gone, cash rates are softer and you can embark on a getaway without demolishing your entire points balance on a single night.

Of course, the definition of shoulder season will vary based on destination, but there are quite a few desirable spots — home to some of our favorite hotels — that offer a dreamy vacation during the spring and fall on a slightly more modest budget (and likely with fewer crowds). From Mediterranean gems to domestic escapes that are closer to home, here are some of the best points hotels if you're in the market for a getaway during a shoulder season.

Related: 8 European destinations that are better in spring than summer

W Florence

Spring in Tuscany is about as close to perfection as Europe gets — warm but not hot, lively but not chaotic — and if you're looking to immerse yourself in the Italian pinnacle of Renaissance grandeur, there's nowhere better than Florence. The newly opened W Florence (featured on our list of the best new hotels of 2025) has brought a modern, design-forward, swanky edge to the city.

Expect bold interiors, a classic W Living Room that's buzzing from day to night and a location that's steps from Florence's top museums and landmarks, including the Duomo, Uffizi Galleries and the Ponte Vecchio. Don't miss the partially covered courtyard, which is perfect for a little pre-dinner aperitivo.

Rates at W Florence start at $507 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Wauwinet

Nantucket in both the spring and fall feels like the island's best-kept secret. Sure, there aren't as many consistently hot and sticky beach days as there are in July and August — but during the shoulder seasons, the days are often sunny and warm, the crowds nonexistent and the island's flora and fauna is abundant, like April's signature daffodils. Up on the island's northeastern edge, far from the bustle of town, The Wauwinet feels like a private escape for those in the know. Picture it: morning coffee overlooking Nantucket Harbor, breezy bike rides, and long, indulgent lunches at the hotel's popular restaurant Topper's (without sparring for a reservation). And since the summer throngs haven't snatched up all the availability yet, you can expect rates to be less than half what they'll be come August.

Rates at The Wauwinet start at $375 or can be booked via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Under Canvas Moab

Hiking enthusiasts and outdoorsy types know: spring is the best time to visit the deserts of southern Utah, before peak summer brings oppressive heat. Under Canvas Moab offers a safari-style clamping experience just outside Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The comfortable and spacious tents are far from basic, featuring proper beds, wood-burning stoves for those chilly desert nights, and expansive views. Don't miss campfires with complimentary s'mores, or the chance for fantastic stargazing—this is a certified DarkSky location.

Rates at Under Canvas Moab start at $169 or 16,750 World of Hyatt points per night.

AutoCamp Sequoia

Melting snows in the Sierra Nevada mountains make springtime in particular an exciting time to visit Sequoia National Park and nearby Kings Canyon National Park, where you'll find roaring waterfalls, fresh greenery and temperate weather. Come fall, the air turns crisp — ideal for cozying up next to a fire pit after a long day of hiking. AutoCamp Sequoia offers a stylish basecamp, with converted Airstream suites and modern cabins that balance a true camping experience with all the creature comforts, like proper bathrooms, comfy beds with foam mattresses, and functional kitchenettes. There's even a Clubhouse where you can buy SPF, snacks and other sundries. This is a great choice for those traveling with dogs or kids, too.

Rates at AutoCamp Sequoia start at $260 or 131,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Andaz Miami Beach

When the Northeast is still experiencing a damp, chilly spring or the cooler climes of fall, South Florida is basking in hot, sunny weather. Fresh off a $60 million renovation last year, Andaz Miami Beach is a crisp, contemporary option for those looking for a Miami Beach escape.

The hotel has its own private beach, complete with cabanas featuring "popsicle pagers" for on-demand ice cream delivery. This is a Miami Beach option for the modern traveler, less about nightlife and partying and more about rejuvenation and experiences: the fantastic Ondara Spa offers facials and massages, and the hotel's bar and two restaurants are all helmed by the acclaimed Jose Andre Group.

Rates at Andaz Miami Beach start at $506 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Waldorf Astoria New York

Has there been a hotel opening in recent memory that has generated as much buzz as the return of Manhattan's iconic Waldorf Astoria New York? After a yearlong closure and top-to-bottom reimagining, this Park Avenue icon is once again welcoming guests — this time with a sharper, more residential feel that trades some of that old-world formality for something a little more current.

The bones, of course, remain: think art deco detailing restored to its original sheen, grand public spaces worthy of New York and an address that puts you in the middle of everything. Rooms are larger than most in Midtown, and have a distinctly residential feel, making them feel more like glamorous apartments than traditional hotel rooms.

Spring is when New York likes to show off: the trees and flowers in Central Park and along Park Avenue are in bloom, the days are longer and the warm weather is ideal for long walks around the city — and the rates might be a bit more manageable than peak holiday season and summer. The same goes for the fall months when, as we all know, there's nothing quite like autumn in New York.

Rates at Waldorf Astoria New York start at $1,407 or 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Spring hits a sweet spot in Kauai, after the peak demand of winter and before the family rush and hot temperatures of summer. Visit in the shoulder season timeframe and you'll find better availability, softer pricing and a more relaxed pace across the island.

At the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, that means more room to spread out in the resort's sprawling pool complex (which features a lazy river and waterfalls) and on its beachfront. This is a solid Hawaii option for those who take their beach time with a side of adventure, too — the resort is adjacent to the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course, an enormous course and driving range considered as one of the best in the state, as well as horseback riding stables that offer guided trail rides along the ocean.

Rates at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa start at $843 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel

Cabo in the spring is a different animal. The weather is reliably warm and dry, and the party crowds of spring breakers and hordes of summer families haven't fully taken over. And set just outside the main drag of Cabo San Lucas, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, is one of the area's more sophisticated, design-forward stays. Think raw concrete, clean lines, and unobstructed views of the ocean and of El Arco from many of the rooms. There are two pools — one more social, one quieter — so you have options depending on your mood, and the hotel is well situated for day trips into town for shopping and gallery hopping. Don't miss drinks at the rooftop bar, which offers a fun scene at sunset.

Rates at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel start at $550 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Regent Santa Monica Beach

One of the favorite California comebacks of recent years, the Regent Santa Monica Beach is one of Los Angeles' most luxurious places to stay on the beach. The property was formerly a Loews-affiliated hotel with 340 rooms but when it reopened as a Regent in late 2024, the renovation brought that room count down to 167, which makes even entry-level guest rooms feel more like spacious suites.

While technically a city hotel, this Regent offers a distinctly resort-like feel. There's a Guerlain Spa that offers aromatherapy-driven treatments, a Mediterranean restaurant, Orla, by celebrity chef Michael Mina, as well as a gorgeous pool deck overlooking the Pacific. The best of Santa Monica is on your doorstep here — whether that's the Santa Monica Pier, the Ocean Front Walk or shopping on Third Street Promenade.

Rates at Regent Santa Monica Beach start at $1,100 or 161,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa

Crete's position in the Mediterranean means that summer starts a little earlier here than other hotspots like Italy's Amalfi Coast and France's Côte d'Azur — and it lasts well into fall. Both an autumnal or springtime visit offers serene beach days and comfortable sightseeing while the temperatures aren't too hot. Built into a hillside on the island's northern side, this stunning JW Marriott offers fantastic views of Crete's mountains and the Aegean everywhere you turn.

The location is a selling point, offering proximity to both sightseeing in nearby Chania as well as scenic hiking trails at Imbros and Samaria Gorges. Back at the resort, opportunities for relaxation abound, whether that's at the spa or in the privacy of your sleek guest room, many of which come with swim-up access or private plunge pools. In the common areas, there are three main pools, one of which is a wading pool for children, and there are also free cabanas along the resort's rocky beach.

Rates at the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa start at $327 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Each of Chase's personal Sapphire cards earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

While the mid-tier Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) are in the same family, the two cards diverge in benefits, earning rates and annual fees.

The Sapphire Reserve offers many perks in exchange for a high $795 annual fee. Plus, right now, the Sapphire Reserve is offering the best bonus we've seen in the card's history: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Meanwhile, the Sapphire Preferred is a simpler option for $95 a year.

Consider your travel style and your overall points-and-miles strategy before choosing. Let's compare.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve comparison

Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve welcome bonus

New applicants for the Sapphire Reserve earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

These points are worth $3,075, according to TPG's May 2026 valuations. It's the highest offer we've seen in the card's history.

Meanwhile, you can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening with the Sapphire Preferred. This is worth $1,538 when considering TPG's valuations.

You can hold both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred, but there are restrictions that may make some new applicants ineligible for bonus offers.

If you've previously earned a bonus on the Sapphire Reserve, you almost certainly won't be eligible for a second bonus on the Sapphire Reserve. If you previously earned a bonus on a Sapphire Preferred, you almost definitely will be ineligible for a second bonus on the Sapphire Preferred.

It's important to remember Chase's 5/24 rule when applying for one of the issuer's cards.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. Its offer is much higher than what the Sapphire Preferred provides.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve benefits

The Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve are separated most distinctly by their benefits. Let's break down what you can expect.

With the $95 Sapphire Preferred, you'll receive:

• Anniversary points bonus: 10% each year
• Annual hotel credit: $50 hotel credit when you book through Chase Travel
• DoorDash benefits: Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription for at least one year (when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and $10 in monthly credits ($120 annually) for non-restaurant purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027)

The $795 Sapphire Reserve provides:

• Apple Music and Apple TV: Up to $288 annually for subscriptions (one-time activation for both services is required; through June 22, 2027)
• DoorDash: Up to $25 in monthly promos plus at least one complimentary year of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2027)
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus: Up to $120 in credits every four years
• Lyft: Up to $120 annually (up to $10 each month; through Sept. 30, 2027; does not apply to Wait & Save, bike or scooter rides)
• OpenTable: Up to $300 annually (split into two up-to-$150 biannual credits) for dining at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants (no prepayment, payment or reservation through OpenTable required)
• Peloton subscriptions: Up to $120 annually (up to $10 each month) for Peloton subscriptions through Dec. 31, 2027
• StubHub/Viagogo: Up to $300 annually (activation required; split into two up-to-$150 biannual credits; through Dec. 31, 2027)
• The Edit: Up to $500 annually (split into two up-to-$250 credits that can be used at any time but cannot be combined) for prepaid The Edit bookings (of two nights or more)
• Travel: Up to $300 toward all travel purchases

You can receive extra benefits after spending $75,000 on the Sapphire Reserve in a calendar year, including:

• IHG Diamond Elite status
• Southwest Airlines A-List status
• World of Hyatt Explorist status
• $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booking through Chase Travel
• $250 credit for The Shops at Chase

A distinction for many travelers will be the Sapphire Reserve's lounge access. Chase has eight open Sapphire Lounges and has plans to open at least two more. Plus, the Priority Pass network includes over 1,800 lounges worldwide.

The Sapphire Reserve's beloved travel credit broadly applies to travel purchases and is automatically applied. Conversely, the Sapphire Preferred's $50 hotel credit is limited to bookings through Chase Travel.

Both cards come with a suite of travel protections. However, the more premium Sapphire Reserve has broader coverage with certain policies.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. The more premium card comes with lounge access, a more flexible travel credit and a laundry list of statement credits to maximize.

Related: Is the Sapphire Reserve worth the annual fee?

Earning points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve

There are notable variations in how the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve earn points.

With the Sapphire Preferred, you'll earn:

• 5 points per dollar spent on all travel booked through Chase Travel, eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) and eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through Dec. 31, 2027)
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Sapphire Reserve earns:

• 10 points per dollar spent on eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through Dec. 31, 2027)
• 8 points per dollar spent on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5 points per dollar spent on eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining purchases worldwide
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The two cards earn at the same rate on Lyft rides and dining.

The Reserve outshines the Preferred on Chase Travel purchases and flights and hotels booked directly, an important consideration for frequent travelers.

In contrast, the Sapphire Preferred earns more on select streaming services and online groceries. Plus, it has a general travel bonus category that the Sapphire Reserve does not.

If you book Airbnb stays, cruises or other general travel (outside of flights or hotels booked directly or through Chase Travel), you're better off earning 2 points per dollar spent on the Preferred than 1 point per dollar spent on the Reserve.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. In most categories, it earns more than the Preferred, though the earning difference in the general travel category is worth considering.

Related: Which purchases count as dining with the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve?

Redeeming points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve

Chase's Points Boost feature lets certain cardholders get more value per point when booking eligible travel through Chase Travel (up to 2 cents per point; the exact value you get depends on which card you have and what you're booking; check your rewards program agreement for the full details).

• Sapphire Reserve cardholders can get up to 2 cents per point on select hotel and flight bookings made through Chase Travel.
• Sapphire Preferred cardholders can get up to 1.75 cents per point on select flight bookings and 1.5 cents on select hotel bookings.

The base redemption rate for Chase Travel redemptions not eligible for Points Boost on both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve is 1 cent per point.

Holding the Sapphire Reserve unlocks higher potential value through Points Boost than the Sapphire Preferred. However, you'll have to make a Points Boost-eligible booking with select hotels and flight itineraries to get more than 1 cent per point in value.

You can also redeem your points for cash back or gift cards, but these redemptions typically offer poor value.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve. You could get up to 2 cents per point in value with select Points Boost bookings, which is higher than the Sapphire Preferred's rate of up to 1.75 cents per point.

Related: Why Chase's Points Boost is an outstanding (kind of surprising) way to book hotels on points

Transferring points with the Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve

The best way to get maximum value from your points earned with the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve is to transfer them to one of Chase's 14 travel partners.

These partners include valuable loyalty programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan, United Airlines MileagePlus and World of Hyatt. When you transfer points, you can make stellar redemptions.

Plus, Chase often offers transfer bonuses that provide even more value for your points when you move them.

Credit cards managing editor Giselle Gomez recently transferred her Chase points to Hyatt for two stays. She used 24,000 points to book three nights at the Hyatt Place Charleston during a holiday weekend, which would've cost $200 per night in cash, netting her 2.5 cents per point in value.

Giselle also used 20,000 points at the Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town for a two-night stay in a two-bedroom suite that would've cost $800, getting 2 cents per point on this redemption.

Winner: Tie. Both cards come with the same transfer options.

Related: How I got a 20X return on my Chase Sapphire Preferred last year

Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or the Sapphire Reserve?

The Sapphire Reserve outperforms the Sapphire Preferred in key earning rates, travel perks and redemption value — but those advantages come with a much higher $795 annual fee.

Before choosing, think carefully about how often you travel and whether you'll realistically use the Reserve's many travel and lifestyle credits.

If you value airport lounge access, want top-tier travel protections and can maximize the Reserve's credits, the Sapphire Reserve will likely deliver more overall value.

If you prefer simplicity, want strong earning rates on everyday spending and don't want to manage multiple statement credits, the Sapphire Preferred remains one of the best mid-tier travel cards on the market.

Related: Reasons to choose the Sapphire Preferred over the Sapphire Reserve

How to upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve

You can upgrade from the Sapphire Preferred to the Sapphire Reserve by calling the number on the back of your card. You can do the same if you want to downgrade your Sapphire Reserve to the Sapphire Preferred.

You have to hold your card for at least 12 months before you can downgrade. However, you won't be eligible for a welcome offer on your new card if you choose to upgrade or downgrade your existing card.

Related: Reasons to upgrade from Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve

Bottom line

Both the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve have earned a strong reputation among travelers for their valuable rewards and flexible redemption options.

If you value airport lounge access, can maximize statement credits and appreciate high earning rates, the Sapphire Reserve is the pick for you. Plus, the card is currently providing its best welcome offer ever, making now a great time to apply.

If you're into simplicity and don't want to pay a high annual fee, apply for the Sapphire Preferred instead.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

World of Hyatt offers 500 bonus points per night on qualifying stays at new hotels. Although 500 bonus points might not sound like a lot, they are worth $8.25 based on TPG's May 2026 valuations.

Hyatt doesn't require members to register for this promotion, so you may have forgotten (or never known) about it. Here's a quick look at the World of Hyatt promotion that allows you to earn 500 bonus points per night at new hotels.

How to earn 500 bonus Hyatt points per night

The promotion is simple: World of Hyatt members receive 500 bonus points per night for qualifying stays at select hotels new to the Hyatt portfolio. You must stay within a set time frame to earn the bonus points, typically in the first few months after the property opens. Specifically, you'll earn bonus points only if your checkout date falls within the offer period for your hotel.

To earn bonus points, you must provide your World of Hyatt number when checking in. You must also pay an eligible rate or redeem a Hyatt free night certificate (including redeeming Hyatt points); groups, conventions, other promotional offers, tour packages and special rate programs aren't eligible. You'll only earn bonus points for one room per night.

The terms of this promotion note that it may take three to four weeks for the bonus points to appear in your account. In practice, though, Hyatt typically posts the new-hotel bonus with the other points you earned during your stay.

Related: Best Hyatt hotels in the world to book with points

Eligible new Hyatt hotels

Hyatt regularly updates a list of participating properties. Here's a quick overview of where you can currently earn 500 extra points per night.

13 new Hyatt hotels in the US

• Brooklyn, New York: The Livingston until May 31
• Chattanooga, Tennessee: Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown until June 30
• Galloway, New Jersey: Seaview Hotel until May 31
• Harrisonburg, Virginia: Hyatt Studios Harrisonburg until July 31
• Jackson, Tennessee: Hyatt Place Jackson / West Tennessee until May 31
• Jacksonville, Florida: Hyatt Studios Jacksonville / St. Johns Town Center until July 31
• Mesa, Arizona: The 233 Suites from May 14 to Aug. 31
• Santa Monica, California: The Georgian until July 31
• Schenectady, New York: Hyatt House Schenectady / Mohawk Harbor until May 31
• Scottsdale, Arizona: Hotel Solaya until July 31
• Seattle: Hotel 1000 until June 30
• St. Louis: Hyatt Select St. Louis Airport until July 31
• Woburn, Massachusetts: Hyatt Select Boston / Woburn / Burlington from May 6 to Aug. 31

Related: Hyatt just launched a new brand geared toward efficient, affordable stays around the country

7 new Hyatt hotels in China

• Beijing: UrCove Beijing Wangjing 798 Art Zone until July 31
• Heifei: UrCove Hefei Shushan until May 31
• Nanjing: Hyatt Place Nanjing Xuanwu until July 31
• Shanghai: Andaz Shanghai ITC until May 31 and Hyatt Place Shanghai Lingang Xinchen International Conference Center until May 31
• Shenzhen: Hyatt Place Shenzhen Longgang until June 30
• Zhuhai: Hyatt Regency Zhuhai Gongbei until May 31

Related: I tried the only China-intensive cruise for Americans — here's why you should, too

9 new Hyatt hotels in other regions

• Beldersoy, Uzbekistan: Beldersoy Resort & Spa until July 31
• Bhopal, India: Hyatt Place Bhopal until June 30
• Heredia, Costa Rica: Hyatt Place Cariari / Convention Center from May 28 to Aug. 31
• Incheon, South Korea: Hyatt Regency Incheon Paradise City until June 30
• Lisbon, Portugal: Andaz Lisbon until June 30
• Niagara Falls, Ontario: Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview until July 31
• Olhos de Agua, Portugal: Masana Algarve until June 30
• Thunder Bay, Ontario: Hyatt House Thunder Bay until June 30
• Umluj, Saudi Arabia: Miraval The Red Sea until July 31

Related: 136 Hyatt hotels and resorts will shift to new award categories May 20

Bottom line

On top of earning 500 extra points per night, staying at a new Hyatt hotel can also be fun since you'll likely get to be in a room with new furnishings. However, new hotels may still be resolving some issues, and not all on-site facilities may be fully operational.

The current list includes six Category 1 hotels and six Category 2 hotels. So, if you want to redeem World of Hyatt points for your stay, you can find several low-category options on this list.

Related reading:

• I didn't expect to love World of Hyatt, but here's why I do
• How and why to look at Hyatt award calendars before booking
• How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt
• Best time to apply for World of Hyatt Chase cards based on offer history

Many travelers dream of enjoying Munich's expansive parks, bustling squares, iconic architecture, and lively beer halls and festivals. And now, Lufthansa is making that kind of trip much more attainable. The Germany-based airline recently launched a stopover program that allows travelers with a layover in Munich to easily extend their stay in the city for up to seven days.

This flexible booking option is integrated directly into the reservation process on the airline's website, so it only takes a few clicks to plan a trip extension.

All you have to do is toggle the "Add a stopover in Munich" option when inputting your travel information to your final destination. You can then select the number of nights you wish to stay in the Bavarian capital, and choose whether you want to add this adventure to the beginning or end of your trip.

The rest of the booking process is just as simple. I selected to add a three-day stopover in Munich on an example flight home from Singapore. After choosing my outbound flight, I saw the stopover at Munich International Airport (MUC) built into all the inbound flight options.

The final screen of the booking process shows the itinerary with the stopover clearly outlined.

It may seem intimidating or overwhelming to plan activities for a Munich layover extension after you have already planned a whole trip elsewhere. To ease this planning process, Lufthansa has some discounts and deals specifically for stopover passengers.

Travelers can add these discounted activities and hotel stays to their itineraries starting 24 hours after booking the flight.

Related: Marvelous in Munich: A review of the Rosewood Munich

Lufthansa offers the Munich stopover option to travelers across all classes, so even those flying on the most restrictive ticket option can add it.

Right now, the stopover option is only available on flights from Singapore and the U.S. However, it will be available on more routes in the future.

Stopover offers are planned for other hubs within the Lufthansa Group, according to the carrier. That means you could see similar offerings on Lufthansa Group airlines like Swiss Air, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines, among others.

Stopover programs have proven to be great ways to encourage tourism and drive local economic growth, and Lufthansa joins a growing list of airlines with this offering.

It can often serve as a way to visit multiple cities without paying extra.

For instance, Copa Airlines allows travelers to extend their stops in Panama for up to seven days, and Icelandair does the same in Reykjavik. Some airlines have even more generous stopover deals: TAP Air Portugal allows travelers an up to 10-day stopover in Portugal, while Turkish Airlines includes a one- or two-night hotel stay for stopover passengers free of charge. Many of these programs have similar rules to Lufthansa's, but be sure to read the fine print of your chosen airline when booking.

Related: This luxurious Munich hotel has historic digs, contemporary art and an outpost of Matsuhisa

You can earn and redeem points on Lufthansa flights through the airline's Miles & More program which, unfortunately, doesn't have a major U.S. credit card transfer partner.

However, because the airline is a Star Alliance member, you can also typically redeem miles from other Star Alliance programs — such as United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan — to book award seats on Lufthansa-operated flights.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's latest rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Summer sticker shock: Airfare up 15% as high jet fuel costs take hold

Many rewards cards come with a list of monthly benefits that help offset annual fees. Whether you have two credit cards or 12, it may feel overwhelming to keep track of them all.

If you want to ensure you're getting the most out of your cards' monthly benefits, you're in the right place. Here, we've compiled a checklist of every card perk and benefit you may be eligible for this month.

This is what you need to keep in mind for May.

American Express

There are numerous monthly card perks you should be using. This is because Amex offers many of its statement credits as monthly amounts, rather than a one-time annual benefit.

It's also important to note that these values are described as "up to" amounts, meaning this is the maximum you will receive in statement credits. If you spend less than this amount, you will be reimbursed only for that lower amount.

Additionally, your Uber Cash will disappear from your account if unused by the end of the month.

Overall, these benefits cannot be rolled over for later. They are "use it or lose it" type credits.

American Express Platinum Card

• Up to $25 digital entertainment statement credit (up to $300 per calendar year): This can be used for a Disney+, Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium and YouTube TV subscription. Enrollment is required in advance to receive the statement credit. Here's how to use this benefit.
• $15 in Uber Cash (additional $20 in December; up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year): This can be used for Uber rides or on Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your card to your Uber account as a payment method and then redeem with any Amex card. Here's how to use this benefit.
• Up to $12.95 statement credit for a Walmart+ monthly membership (up to $155 per calendar year): Pay with your American Express Platinum Card®, then receive reimbursement in statement credits for one membership fee per month. Here's how to enroll (subject to auto-renewal). Plus Up Benefits are not eligible. Enrollment is required.
• Up to $9.99 monthly statement credit for Uber One: Receive up to a $120 Uber One statement credit that fully covers an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership. Enrollment is required.

Cardmembers also receive up to $300 biannually in statement credits ($600 per calendar year) for eligible bookings through Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection (THC requires a minimum two-night stay).

If you don't automatically receive a statement credit, it's worth requesting that any missing credits be applied. The easiest way is via chat (online or through the Amex app).

These benefits and statement credits can help offset the card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Related: 10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

• Up to $50 statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year) for eligible Hilton purchases: This statement credit can be used for any eligible purchase at a property in the Hilton portfolio (enrollment required). Note that you must be registered in the Hilton for Business program to participate.
• Up to $10 wireless statement credit (up to $120 per calendar year): Pay for an eligible U.S. mobile service provider and receive a statement credit of up to $10 each month. Enrollment is required in advance.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express doesn't award credits with Walmart+ or Uber, but cardmembers can receive up to $1,150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. Dell purchases.

You can receive up to $150 in statement credits on U.S. purchases made directly at Dell and then an additional $1,000 statement credit after spending $5,000 or more at Dell from each calendar year. Enrollment is required.

This card also earns up to a $300 biannual statement credit (up to $600 per calendar year) on prepaid American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Amex Business Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).

These credits help offset this card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.

Related: 8 things to do when you get the Amex Business Platinum Card

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

American Express Gold Card

Use the following benefits to help offset the card's $325 annual fee (see rates and fees):

• Up to $100 annual U.S. Resy statement credits: Cardmembers receive two up to $50 biannual statement credits per calendar year, one to be used from January to June and another from July to December. Statement credits can be redeemed by dining at a restaurant in the U.S. that accepts Resy reservations and paying with your American Express® Gold Card, as well as on other eligible Resy purchases. A reservation is not required to earn the statement credit. Enrollment is required.
• $10 Uber Cash each month (up to $120 per calendar year): Like the perk on the Amex Platinum, this applies to Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Add your Amex Gold to your Uber account as a payment method to receive this benefit, and note that it can stack with the monthly credit on the Amex Platinum if you have both cards. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method to use and redeem with any Amex card.
• Up to $10 dining statement credit (up to $120 per calendar year): Use your card to pay at Five Guys, Goldbelly, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wonder and Wine.com to receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits (Goldbelly and Wine.com ending June 30). Enrollment is required in advance. Here's how to use this benefit.
• Up to $7 Dunkin' statement credit (up to $84 per calendar year): Cardmembers receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits to be used at Dunkin' locations within the U.S. This credit can also be used to load your mobile Dunkin' account. Enrollment is required.

There are also some limited-time offers to celebrate the Amex Gold's 60th anniversary. These include:

• Amex Travel offers at select The Hotel Collection properties: Access various special offers, including a complimentary third or fourth night, 25% or more off select rooms, 30% or more off all suites or a property credit of $150 or more to use toward eligible charges during your stay at more than 250 properties in The Hotel Collection. Available through July 15. Minimum two-night stay required at The Hotel Collection properties.
• Uber One Membership Credit: Use your card to pay for an annual Uber One membership and get a one-time statement credit of up to $96. Enrollment is required. Available through Oct. 30.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.

Related: American Express Gold checklist: 5 things to do when you get the card

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

American Express Business Gold Card

• Up to $20 flexible business statement credit (up to $240 per calendar year): Cardmembers can earn up to $20 in statement credits per month on eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores. Enrollment is required.

These statement credits can easily help offset the $375 annual fee (see rates and fees) on the American Express® Business Gold Card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

Delta cobranded cards

• Resy statement credit: You'll receive a monthly statement credit of up to $20 in statement credits each month (up to $240 per calendar year) for U.S. restaurants on the Resy platform with the with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card; and up to $10 in statement credits for U.S. restaurant purchases (up to $120 per calendar year) with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card. Enrollment is required.
• Ride-hailing statement credit: You'll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits (up to $120 annually) for U.S. ride-hailing services, including Alto, Curb, Lyft or Uber, if you have the consumer or business version of the Delta Platinum or Delta Reserve card. Enrollment is required.

Related: How to maximize the new statement credits on the Delta Amex cards

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

• Up to $200 Hilton Resorts statement credit biannually (up to $400 per calendar year): Use your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card at participating Hilton Resorts to pay for eligible purchases, such as room charges and incidentals. This benefit is divided into two $200 biannual statement credits, one for use from January to June and another for use from July to December.
• Up to $50 in flight statement credits per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Pay for a flight directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com and receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for seat upgrades, award taxes and fees and to reload your United TravelBank balance.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Aspire.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

• Up to $50 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $200 per calendar year): Receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with a property within the Hilton portfolio when you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, including bookings and incidental charges. Datapoints tell us you may be able to use this credit for dining and gift store purchases at a Hilton property, but not online Hilton gift card purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton American Express Surpass.

Apply here: Hilton American Express Surpass Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

• Up to $60 Hilton statement credit per quarter (up to $240 per calendar year): Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter on purchases charged directly with The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card toward a property within the Hilton portfolio, including bookings and incidental charges such as dining and spa services. See our advice for the Surpass credit above.

To learn more, read our full review of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

• Up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits (up to $300 per calendar year): The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits at restaurants worldwide. You don't need to enroll for this benefit in advance — swipe your card at an eligible restaurant, and you should receive the statement credit within a few days.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Chase

Select Chase credit cards offer perks on a monthly basis, so a new month means you have a fresh batch of credits to use.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Up to $500 statement credit via Chase's The Edit hotels: Cardholders receive up to a $250 statement credit for prepaid bookings with The Edit twice per year (no biannual restriction).
• $20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated DashPass membership, cardholders receive two promos of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Only one promo may be used per order. Available through Dec. 31, 2027.
• $10 in Lyft credits: Cardholders receive a $10 ride credit every month with their Sapphire Reserve, for a total of $120 in credits each year. These credits do not roll over month to month, so it's important to use yours before the end of the month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.
• $5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account, Chase will add $5 in credits at the beginning of each month. Note that this credit applies only to $5 off restaurant orders, and that it doesn't roll over month to month. These credits are in addition to the card's complimentary DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them

Apply here: Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

• Up to $500 statement credit via Chase's The Edit hotels: Cardholders receive up to a $250 statement credit for prepaid bookings with The Edit twice per year (no biannual restriction), for a total of $500 per year.
• $20 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: With an activated DashPass membership, receive two promos of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash. Data points suggest the credit may not work on alcohol purchases. Only one promo may be used per order. Valid through Dec. 31, 2027.
• $10 in Lyft credits: Receive a $10 in-app credit every month, for a total of $120 in credits each year. Credits do not roll over month to month. This benefit runs through Sept. 30, 2027.
• $5 DoorDash credits: When you add your Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) as a payment method to your DoorDash account and activate your complimentary DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027, Chase will provide $5 in credits at the beginning of each month.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Apply here: Sapphire Reserve for Business

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders with an activated Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) DashPass membership, receive one promo of $10 off each calendar month at checkout on one convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash. Data points suggest the credit may not work on alcohol purchases. Activate your DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027, to use this benefit.

Cardholders can also use a $50 hotel credit each year when booking through Chase Travel℠. If you haven't used yours yet this year, here's how to use this benefit.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

Apply here: Sapphire Preferred

Chase Freedom (not open to new applicants) and Chase Freedom Flex

• Up to 5% cash back: Current categories include Amazon and Whole Foods Market, Chase Travel and donations to Feeding America. You'll receive bonus cash back on these categories on up to $1,500 of combined spending each quarter (then 1% back). You must activate your categories to enjoy higher earning rates. The quarter ends on June 30 (and you must activate by June 14), so you have until then to register and maximize these earnings.
• $10 DoorDash non-restaurant credits: Cardholders of any Chase Freedom® or Slate family cards receive one promo of $10 off each quarter at checkout on one convenience, grocery or other non-restaurant order on DoorDash via a DashPass membership. Data points suggest the credit may not work on alcohol purchases. Your DashPass membership must be activated by Dec. 31, 2027 to receive this benefit.

Remember: Even though the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) cards are technically cash-back products, you can turn these earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you also have a premium Chase card such as the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve.

The information for the Chase Freedom and Slate Edge cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

United cobranded cards

• Ride-hailing credit: Several cobranded United credit cards offer varying levels of ride-hailing statement credit per month. The United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United Club℠ Business Card each offer up to $12 credits per month from January to November and up to $18 credits in December. Meanwhile, the United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees) and United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees) each offer up to $8 in statement credits per month between January to November and up to $12 in statement credits in December. Finally, the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) offers up to $5 in statement credits per month. Yearly opt-in is required in order to earn your monthly credit.
• Instacart credit: The United Club Card and United Club Business both offer two $10 monthly credits, whereas the United Quest provides one $10 and one $5 monthly credit. Meanwhile, the United Explorer and United Business each provide a $10 monthly credit. Instacart benefits end Dec. 31, 2027.

The information for the United Club Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Current United card welcome bonuses

Citi

Check out these must-use benefits for certain Citi cards.

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) card has several benefits, including the following monthly credits:

• $10 in monthly Lyft credit after three rides (up to $120 annually): Use your card as the payment method in your account and get a $10 Lyft credit after taking three rides in a month.
• Up to $10 statement credit on Grubhub purchases (up to $120 annually): When you use your card for Grubhub purchases, you'll receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits.

To learn more, read our full review of the AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Citi Dividend Card (not open to new applicants)

• 5% cash back: You can earn 5% cash back each quarter on rotating categories. Unlike other cards that limit your bonus earnings within the quarter, Citi® Dividend Card cardholders can earn 5% bonus cash back on up to $6,000 of spending across the year (then 1% back thereafter), meaning you could maximize your 5% earnings for the whole year during a quarter where the bonus categories are more advantageous for you. Remember to activate your current categories, which include Citi Travel and grocery store purchases. These categories are active through June 30.

The information for the Citi Dividend card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Discover

Discover it Cash Back

• 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending on rotating categories, then unlimited 1% cash back. Remember to activate your current categories, which include home improvement stores and restaurants. The current quarter ends on June 30.

The information for the Discover it® Cash Back has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: Discover it Cash Back review

U.S. Bank

Have a U.S. Bank credit card? Pay close attention to this section so you don't miss out on important benefits.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

• 5% cash back: Each quarter, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending on rotating categories (then 1% back) with your U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. You must choose your categories each quarter and activate them for the bonus to apply. The current quarter runs through June 30, and categories include: cellphone providers, department stores, electronics stores, fast food, furniture stores, ground transportation, gyms/fitness centers, home utilities, internet, movie theaters, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores, streaming services and TV.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Learn more: U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card review

Bottom line

You don't want to leave value on the table by forgetting about these valuable statement credits.

If maximizing value is your top priority, you'll definitely want to consider which credits are offered monthly and which are received biannually or annually.

Save this article to reference in the future. That way, you'll remember what you need to do at the start of each month.

Related: Forgettable statement credits checklist: Perks and benefits not to be overlooked

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold, click here.

JetBlue Airways is moving quickly to fill in the gap left by the collapse of Spirit Airlines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

The New York-based carrier will pick up some of Spirit's lost service at Fort Lauderdale with 11 new routes from the airport beginning in July. All are markets that had been served by the discounter until its closure in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

JetBlue's new routes from FLL are:

• Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla, Colombia, daily from Oct. 1
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), thrice daily from July 9
• Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO) in Cali, Colombia, daily from Oct. 15
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), thrice daily from July 9
• Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), twice daily from July 9
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio, daily from Nov. 2
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), twice daily from July 9
• Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), thrice daily from July 9
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND), daily from Nov. 2
• Nashville International Airport (BNA), thrice daily from July 9
• Mercedita International Airport (PSE) in Ponce, Puerto Rico, daily from July 9

Of those, six are airports not currently served by JetBlue. They are: Barranquilla, Baltimore, Cali, Charlotte, Columbus and Indianapolis.

COMPLETE COVERAGE FROM TPG: Spirit Airlines shuts down

• Spirit's bright yellow planes are grounded for good — a sad ending for one America's top budget carriers
• What to know: Spirit Airlines shuts down, cancels all flights
• What to do if you're flying Spirit
• Rescue fares: How other airlines are stepping in to help Spirit flyers
• Will your credit card reimburse for Spirit Airlines tickets?

"South Florida is a key market for JetBlue, and we recognize this is a challenging moment for many travelers," Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, said in a statement. "Our focus is on stepping up in the near term by adding service, maintaining connectivity, and keeping fares competitive, so customers can continue to travel with confidence."

Spirit's closure removes nearly 2% of U.S. domestic seats from the market in one fell swoop, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. Fort Laurderale was its largest market, followed by Orlando, Newark, Detroit and Chicago.

Airfare is expected to rise in former Spirit markets as airlines rush to cover elevated fuel costs as a result of the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.

Wall Street analysts expect Frontier Airlines and JetBlue to be the largest beneficiaries of Spirit's closure due to their network overlap.

Frontier and JetBlue — as well as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines — are all offering discounted tickets to stranded Spirit passengers.

For JetBlue, the closure opens the door to realizing its vision of a major connecting base at FLL. The airline has grown there since Spirit began retrenching last summer, and it will fly nearly 44% more seats from the airport this month compared to May 2025, Cirium schedules show.

Speaking last week prior to Spirit's collapse, JetBlue president Marty St. George said: "We are so happy with what we're seeing in Fort Lauderdale."

He described FLL as the "third leg of the stool" in terms of the airline's route map; its bases at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are the other two legs.

JetBlue, as of Tuesday, planned to grow at FLL to about the size of its BOS base as gates became available, he said. The airline is also seeking space for a new BlueHouse lounge in Terminal 3 at Fort Lauderdale.

The carrier flies roughly 90 daily departures from FLL compared to 130 from Boston, Cirium schedules show.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's latest rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Summer sticker shock: Airfare up 15% as high jet fuel costs take hold

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) has rolled out its best-ever welcome bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

With an offer worth $3,075 in travel (per TPG's May 2026 valuations), you won't want to miss out. And if you already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), you may be wondering whether you're eligible.

I have good news: If you're a Sapphire Preferred cardholder, you are likely eligible for the Sapphire Reserve.

Let's revisit Chase's eligibility rules with its Sapphire family of cards and confirm whether you can earn the Sapphire Reserve's stellar offer.

Am I eligible for the Sapphire Reserve if I have the Sapphire Preferred?

As long as you have never held or previously earned a bonus on the Sapphire Reserve, you are eligible now. This is true even if you currently hold its sister card, the Sapphire Preferred, and have earned its bonus.

I am highly considering adding the Sapphire Reserve to my wallet. In my view, the flexible $300 annual travel credit is one of the most useful perks out there, and it will be easy for me to maximize the card's up to $300 in annual statement credits for StubHub purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required), since I love live music and comedy.

Even though I've been a Sapphire Preferred cardholder since 2023, I won't have to worry about eligibility with the Sapphire Reserve. I've never had the Sapphire Reserve or earned its bonus.

If you're in a similar situation to me, you're likely eligible for the Sapphire Reserve too.

Before you submit your application, let's go through the other eligibility requirements for the Sapphire Reserve.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Chase Sapphire eligibility rules explained

There are a few more requirements to be sure you meet before you apply for the Sapphire Reserve.

• Chase's 5/24 rule: Anyone who has opened five or more new credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months will more than likely be declined for the Sapphire Reserve (or any Chase card, for that matter). Keep in mind that Chase typically doesn't factor business cards into this count.
• You can't currently have an open Sapphire Reserve card.
• You're unlikely to earn another Sapphire Reserve bonus if you've already earned a bonus on the Sapphire Reserve.
• If you've previously held the Sapphire Reserve, you may not be eligible for its current offer, even if you didn't earn a bonus on it the first time.
• You'll need to have an adequate credit history, and we recommend a credit score of at least 740 to qualify.

To put it simply, as long as you're under 5/24 and have never held the Sapphire Reserve or earned its bonus, you should be good to go.

Related: Am I eligible for the Chase Sapphire Reserve's bonus?

Bottom line

The Sapphire Reserve is currently running the highest welcome offer in its history, and if you're a Chase Ultimate Rewards enthusiast, now is a fantastic time to apply.

Even if you currently hold the Sapphire Preferred, you can add the Sapphire Reserve to your wallet.

Just be sure you're under 5/24, have a good credit history and have never held the Sapphire Reserve or earned its bonus before. As long as you meet these requirements, you should be ready to apply.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve