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18 credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in first-year value

April 02, 2026
38 min read
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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editor's Note

This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

As credit card annual fees continue to climb, it's natural to start questioning how much value you're getting from adding a new card to your wallet. This is especially true since multiple cards out there charge no annual fee.

However, there can be solid reasons to pay an annual fee. Many popular rewards cards come with an annual fee but provide outsize value in the form of statement credits, welcome bonuses and other quantifiable perks.

Let's examine our top cards, which actually provide more than $1,000 in value in your first year of card membership.

Methodology

Here are the four factors we considered to arrive at these values:

  • Welcome offer: We assigned a dollar amount to a card's welcome offer based on TPG's April 2026 valuations.
  • Annual statement credits: We counted credits toward travel, dining, resort stays and other categories.
  • Quantifiable perks and benefits: We added benefits that can be assigned a specific dollar amount. This means we excluded factors that aren't as quantifiable, such as lounge access and elite status. We also excluded anniversary benefits that only apply to the second year of card membership.
  • Annual fee: We subtracted the annual fee from the card's overall value. Even after subtracting this amount, all the cards listed still provide more than $1,000 in first-year value.

Finally, note that just because a card didn't make this list doesn't mean it can't provide this type of value. Cards not on this list can provide value on a case-by-case basis.

Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?

Cards that provide $1,000-plus in first-year value

CardWelcome offer value*Total potential first-year value Annual fee Net first-year value 
Up to $6,000
Up to $9,209
$895 (see rates and fees)
Up to $8,314
Up to $3,500
Up to $6,704
$895 (see rates and fees)
Up to $5,809
$3,075
Up to $5,235
$795
Up to $4,440
$2,563
Up to $4,911
$795
Up to $4,116
Up to $4,000
Up to $4,395
$375 (see rates and fees)
Up to $4,020
Up to $2,000
Up to $2,424
$325 (see rates and fees)
Up to $2,099
Up to $1,350
Up to $2,360
$350
Up to $2,010
$2,050
$2,050
$95
$1,955
Up to $1,875
Up to $1,875
$125 (see rates and fees)
Up to $1,750
$1,538
Up to $1,828
$95
Up to $1,733
$1,638
Up to $1,758
$95
Up to $1,663
$1,425
Up to $2,245
$595
Up to $1,650
$1,400
Up to $2,000
$495 (see rates and fees)
Up to $1,505
Up to $1,600
Up to $1,600
$95
Up to $1,505
$1,500
Up to $2,140
$650 (see rates and fees)
Up to $1,490
$1,388
Up to $1,808
$395
Up to $1,413
Up to $1,470
$1,590
$395
$1,195
$1,360
Up to $1,460
$199
Up to $1,161

*The welcome offer value is determined using TPG's April 2026 valuations and is not provided by or reviewed by the issuer.

Now that we've introduced the 21 cards providing at least $1,000 in first-year value, let's dive into the specifics to help you decide which is best for you.

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The Business Platinum Card from American Express

For small-business owners, The Business Platinum Card from American Express can yield a ton of value in the first year, thanks to the array of perks on the card.

American Express Business Platinum card art
THE POINTS GUY

Most benefits come as statement credits, many of which specifically connect to business-related expenses.

Quantifiable benefit Perk detailsValue
Welcome bonus
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Up to $6,000^
Dell statement credit
Up to $150 back on U.S. purchases directly with Dell Technologies and an additional $1,000 after spending $5,000 on purchases with Dell each calendar year**
Up to $1,150
Hotel credit
Up to $600 each calendar year (up to $300 in semi-annual statement credits) on prepaid bookings with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection^^ properties made through American Express Travel; The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay
Up to $600
Indeed statement credit
Up to $360 each calendar year (up to $90 in quarterly statement credits) on all Indeed hiring and recruiting products and services to post open positions and find talent**
Up to $360
Adobe statement credit
Up to $250 annual statement credit after spending $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe each calendar year (subject to auto-renewal)**
Up to $250
Clear+ statement credit
Up to $209 credit toward an annual Clear+ membership for expedited airport security (subject to auto-renewal)**
Up to $209
Airline incidental statement credits on one selected airline
Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year on incidentals, such as checked bags and inflight refreshments, on one selected airline
Up to $200
Hilton statement credits
Up to $200 each calendar year (up to $50 in statement credits per quarter) for eligible purchases made in the Hilton portfolio; separate enrollment in Hilton for Business required**
Up to $200
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
$120 credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every four or 4 1/2 years**
Up to $120
Wireless credit
Up to $120 each calendar year (up to $10 in statement credits per month) for purchases made with U.S. wireless telephone services**
Up to $120

^Per TPG's valuations.
**Enrollment is required.
^^Eligible charges vary by property.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $9,209
  • Annual fee: $895
  • Net first-year value: Up to $8,314

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


Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express


American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is one of the best travel cards available for luxury travelers because of its extensive lineup of perks.

Amex Platinum card art
THE POINTS GUY

These quantifiable benefits are only part of the equation.

Quantifiable benefit Perk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 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.
Up to $3,500^
Hotel credit
Up to $600 each calendar year (up to $300 in semi-annual statement credits) on prepaid bookings with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection^^ properties made through American Express Travel; The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay
Up to $600
Resy credit
Up to $400 each calendar year (up to $100 in quarterly statement credits) for Resy purchases in the U.S.**
Up to $400
Digital entertainment credits
Up to $300 each calendar year (up to $25 in monthly statement credits) for select digital entertainment and streaming services**
Up to $300
Lululemon credit
Up to $300 each calendar year (up to $75 in quarterly statement) credits for Lululemon purchases online and in U.S. stores, excluding outlets**
Up to $300
Equinox credit
Up to $300 in annual statement credits for select Equinox memberships, including the app (subject to auto-renewal)**
Up to $300
Clear+ statement credit
Up to $209 toward an annual Clear+ membership for expedited airport security (subject to auto-renewal)**
Up to $209
Uber Cash
Up to $200 each calendar year (up to $15 per month, plus an additional up to $20 in December) toward U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders#
Up to $200
Airline incidental credits on one selected airline
Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year on incidentals, such as checked bags and inflight refreshments, on one selected airline**
Up to $200
Oura Ring hardware credit
Up to $200 in annual statement credits for hardware purchase with Oura Ring each calendar year**
Up to $200
Walmart+ credit
Up to $155 each calendar year (up to $12.95 in monthly statement credits) for one recurring Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal; plus applicable taxes); Plus Up benefits are not eligible
Up to $155
Uber One membership
Up to a $120 statement credit each calendar year that fully covers an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership**
Up to $120
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
$120 credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every four or 4 1/2 years**
Up to $120
Saks Fifth Avenue credits
Up to $100 each calendar year (up to $50 in semiannual statement credits) for Saks Fifth Avenue**
Up to $100

^Per TPG's valuations.
**Enrollment is required.
#Add your qualifying Amex card to your Uber account and pay with any Amex card.
^^Eligible charges vary by property.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $6,704
  • Annual fee: $895
  • Net first-year value: Up to $5,809

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


Apply here: American Express Platinum Card


Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Chase's premium business card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, is oriented toward high-spending business owners who could maximize the multiple credits offered by the product.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card art
THE POINTS GUY

Many of the benefits are statement credits toward purchases that business owners may find themselves making.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$3,075^
The Edit credit
Up to $500 each year (two transactions of up to $250) on stays of at least two nights booked through The Edit
Up to $500
ZipRecruiter credit
Up to $400 each year (up to $200 from January through June and up to $200 from July through December) for purchases made directly with ZipRecruiter through Dec. 31, 2027
Up to $400
Travel credit
Up to $300 in statement credits each account anniversary year for a broad suite of travel purchases
Up to $300
DoorDash non-restaurant credit
Two separate $10 monthly credits toward non-restaurant purchases on DoorDash when you activate your DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027
Up to $240
Google Workspace credit
Up to $200 statement credit for purchases made directly with Google Workspace for AI tools for business through Dec. 31, 2027
Up to $200
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee credits
Up to $120 statement credit every four years
Up to $120
Lyft credits
Up to $120 each year (up to $10 in monthly in-app credit) on Lyft rides through  Sept. 30, 2027
Up to $120
DoorDash DashPass subscription
At least 12 months of complimentary DashPass when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027
$120
Giftcards.com
Earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 from January through June and up to $50 from July through December) on gift card purchases made through giftcards.com/reservebusiness through Oct. 31, 2028
$100
DoorDash restaurant credit
A $5 monthly promo for restaurant orders on DoorDash through Dec. 31, 2027
$60

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $5,235
  • Annual fee: $795
  • Net first-year value: Up to $4,440

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


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business


Chase Sapphire Reserve

The premium Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a long list of statement credits that help offset the card's high $795 annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve card art
THE POINTS GUY

Still, the Sapphire Reserve's annual travel credit is one of the most flexible credits available, making it easy to maximize that part of its first-year value.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$2,563^
The Edit credit
Up to $500 each year (two transactions of up to $250) on stays of at least two nights booked through The Edit
$500
Travel credit
Up to $300 each account anniversary year for a broad suite of travel purchases
$300
StubHub and Viagogo credit
Up to $300 each year (up to $150 from January through June and up to $150 from July through December) for purchases with StubHub and Viagogo through Dec. 31, 2027. Activation is required
$300
Dining credit
Up to $300 each year (up to $150 from January through June and up to $150 from July through December) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables
$300
Apple credit
Up to $250 Complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions each year. A one-time activation is required. These subscriptions run through June 22, 2027
$288
DoorDash non-restaurant credit
Two separate $10 monthly credits toward non-restaurant purchases on DoorDash when you activate your DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027
$240
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee credits
Up to $120 every four years
Up to $120
Lyft credits
Up to $120 each year (up to $10 in monthly in-app credit) on Lyft rides through  Sept. 30, 2027
$120
DoorDash DashPass subscription
At least 12 months of complimentary DashPass when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027
$120
DoorDash restaurant credit
A $5 monthly promo for restaurant orders on DoorDash through Dec. 31, 2027
$60

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $4,911
  • Annual fee: $795
  • Net first-year value: Up to $4,116

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


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve


American Express Business Gold Card

The American Express Business Gold Card balances simplicity with high earnings for business owners all in on Membership Rewards points.

business gold cards
THE POINTS GUY

Here's how the math works out on this card.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Up to $4,000^
Flexible business statement credits
Up to $240 in flexible business statement credits per calendar year (up to $20 per month) for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores**
Up to $240
Walmart+ credit
Up to $155 each calendar year (up to $12.95 in monthly statement credits) for one recurring Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal; plus applicable taxes); Plus Up benefits are not eligible
Up to $155

^Per TPG's valuations.
**Enrollment is required.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $4,395
  • Annual fee: $375
  • Net first-year value: Up to $4,020

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


Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card


American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card is one of the best cards out there for foodies because of its dining-focused perks.

American Express Gold
THE POINTS GUY

Here's what to know about this solid Membership Rewards-earning card.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Up to $2,000^
Uber Cash
Up to $120 each calendar year (up to $10 per month) in Uber Cash toward U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders#
Up to $120
Dining credit
Up to $120 each calendar year (up to $10 per month) in dining statement credits at participating restaurants**
Up to $120
Resy credit
Up to $100 each calendar year (up to $50 in biannual statement credits) for purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants**
Up to $100
Dunkin' credit
Up to $84 each calendar year (up to $7 in monthly statement credits) for purchases with U.S. Dunkin' locations**
Up to $84

^Per TPG's valuations.
**Enrollment is required.
#Add your qualifying Amex card to your Uber account and pay with any Amex card.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $2,424
  • Annual fee: $325
  • Net first-year value: Up to $2,099

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


Apply here: American Express Gold Card


United Quest Card

The United Quest Card offers multiple perks that send its first-year value over $1,000.

United Quest Mileage Plus Credit Card
THE POINTS GUY

Here's what to know about this airline credit card:

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs: Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,350 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs)^
United travel credit

Automatic $200 in United TravelBank cash earned each year, including upon account opening

$200
Instacart credit

One $10 and one $5 monthly Instacart credit, ending Dec. 31, 2027

$180
Hotel credit
Up to a $150 annual statement credit on prepaid reservations made through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United® Cardmembers each account anniversary year
$150
JSX credit
Up to $150 in annual statement credits on JSX flight purchases made each account anniversary year
$150
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
Up to $120 every four years
Up to $120
Ride-hailing credit
Up to $8 in monthly statement credits for ride-hailing services, plus a bonus of $4 (for a total of $12) in December (yearly opt-in required)
$100
Rental car credit
Up to $40 each for the first two Avis or Budget car rentals booked through United Cars each account anniversary year
$80
Instacart+ membership
Complimentary three-month membership to Instacart+. Membership is $9.99 monthly. This offer ends Dec. 31, 2027
$30

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $2,360
  • Annual fee: $350
  • Net first-year value: Up to $2,010

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


Apply here: United Quest Card


Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

In addition to the fantastic welcome bonus offered by the Ink Business Preferred, this card's primary value is its earning structure.

A hand holds the Ink Business Preferred
THE POINTS GUY

Regardless, the Chase Ultimate Rewards points you'll receive from the welcome bonus catapult this card's first-year value to over $1,000.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
$2,050^

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: $2,050
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Net first-year value: $1,955

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


Apply here: Ink Business Preferred


Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The high-value welcome offer on the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card elevates it to our list.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express card art
THE POINTS GUY

Here's a breakdown:

Quantifiable benefit Perk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn three free night awards after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus two additional free night awards after spending an additional $3,000 in the first six months of card membership (for a total of $9,000 in spending). Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Up to $1,875^

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $1,875
  • Annual fee: $125
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,750

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


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card


Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best cards for beginners.

Chase Sapphire Preferred
THE POINTS GUY

Much of the value of the Sapphire Preferred comes from its welcome bonus. However, that's not the only quantifiable benefit for its $95 annual fee.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
$1,538^
DoorDash non-restaurant credit
Up to $10 each month toward non-restaurant purchases on DoorDash when you activate your DashPass membership by Dec. 31, 2027
$120
DoorDash DashPass subscription
At least 12 months of complimentary DashPass when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027
$120
Hotel credit
Up to $50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel
$50

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $1,828
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,733

You'll also receive a 10% points bonus on your cardmember anniversary based on the total amount you spent in the previous year. However, since the value of this perk depends on your spending activity, it's not included in the above calculation.

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


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card


Capital One Venture Rewards Card

While the Venture Rewards card doesn't have a long list of benefits, it offers a strong welcome bonus relative to its annual fee.

Capital One Venture Rewards card art
THE POINTS GUY

Transferring your miles to one of Capital One's 15-plus loyalty partners is the best way to maximize your rewards.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, receive a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use during your first year.
$1,638^
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
Up to $120 every four years
Up to $120

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $1,758
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,663

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.


Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card


Citi Strata Elite Card

Citi's premium travel card, the Citi Strata Elite Card comes with a solid list of quantifiable perks and statement credits.

Citi Strata Elite Credit Card art
THE POINTS GUY

Here's what to know about the card:

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
$1,425^
Hotel credit
Up to $300 off a prepaid hotel stay (minimum two-night stay) when booked through Citi Travel each calendar year
$300
Splurge credit
Up to $200 in statement credits each calendar year on your choice of up to two brands: 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training and Live Nation.
$200
Blacklane credit
Up to $200 each calendar year (up to $100 in biannual statement credits) for Blacklane chauffeur bookings
$200
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
Up to $120 every four years
Up to $120

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $2,245
  • Annual fee: $595
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,650

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Elite.


Apply here: Citi Strata Elite Card


Bilt Palladium Card

The Bilt Palladium Card earns valuable Bilt Points and Bilt Cash (up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year), sending its first-year value up high.

Bilt Palladium card art
THE POINTS GUY

Here's what to know about Bilt's premium card:

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 50,000 Bilt Points and Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first three months. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon account opening.
$1,400^
Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit

Up to $200 biannually ($400 per calendar year) in Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit; must book a stay of at least two nights

$400
Annual Bilt Cash
$200 in Bilt Cash annually
$200

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $2,000
  • Annual fee: $495 (see rates and fees)
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,505

To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Palladium Card.


Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card


Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The stellar offer on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card elevates it to this list.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Visa
THE POINTS GUY

This card provides a fantastic bonus for Marriott loyalists to enjoy.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn three free night awards*** after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award*** after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.

***Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Up to $1,600^

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $1,600
  • Annual fee: $95
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,505

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


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card


Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is great for Bonvoy loyalists looking for top-tier perks.

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant_2025_CCFL
THE POINTS GUY

Here's a breakdown of this card's first-year value:

Quantifiable benefit Perk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends May 13.
$1,500^
Restaurant credit
Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 monthly) for eligible dining purchases at restaurants worldwide
Up to $300
Ride-hailing credit
Up to $120 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $10 monthly) on select U.S. ride-hailing service apps**
Up to $120
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
$120 credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every four or 4 1/2 years**
Up to $120
Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis property credit
Up to $100 property credit for a minimum two-night stay with Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis
Up to $100

^Per TPG's valuations.
**Enrollment is required.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $2,140
  • Annual fee: $650
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,490

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


Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card


Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Venture X makes a splash in the premium cards space thanks to its non-quantifiable lounge access perks for a more modest annual fee compared to other similar options.

Capital One Venture X card
THE POINTS GUY

Let's tally up the value you could receive from this travel card.

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,388^
Capital One Travel credit
$300 annual credit for travel bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal
$300
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
Up to $120 every four years
Up to $120

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: $1,808
  • Annual fee: $395
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,413

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture X.


Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card


Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines loyalists can enjoy a premium card with the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card

Atmos Rewards Summit card art
THE POINTS GUY

Here's what to know about this excellent airline card:

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
Up to $1,470^
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
$120 credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every four or 4 1/2 years
Up to $120

^Per TPG's valuations.

  • Total potential first-year value: $1,590
  • Annual fee: $395
  • Net first-year value: $1,195

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


Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card


World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Business travelers who enjoy staying with Hyatt can get high value from holding the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

a hand holds a credit card
THE POINTS GUY

Here's how to get more than $1,000 in value in the first year:

Quantifiable benefitPerk detailsValue
Welcome offer
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends on April 30.
$1,360^
Hyatt credits
Get a $50 statement credit when you use your card to spend $50 or more at Hyatt hotels and resorts (up to two times per year for a total of $100 in annual credits)
Up to $100

^Per TPG's valuations.
**Enrollment is required.

  • Total potential first-year value: Up to $1,460
  • Annual fee: $199
  • Net first-year value: Up to $1,161

To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt Business card.


Apply here: World of Hyatt Business Credit Card


Bottom line

Many popular travel credit cards can get you well over $1,000 in value in just the first year of card membership.

If you have a card where you spend a lot each year within its bonus categories, you can easily get more than $1,000 in value from it just based on spending alone.

But if you aren't taking full advantage of the benefits offered by a card (such as lounge access, yearly statement credits or elite status), you could get less value from a specific card, as it isn't suited to your needs.

Hopefully, this gives you a starting point to see which cards can offer your wallet the most value.

Related: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using each month


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

Featured image by MILKO/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.