✈ Cards With Big Perks and Small Fees, DOT Investigates Delta Over Outage Fallout & More News From TPG ✈

July 23, 2024

Big perks, small annual fee

by Tanner Saunders, Senior hotels reporter

One of the trickiest parts of playing the points and miles game with credit cards is deciding whether or not the perks of the card are worth the annual fee. The cards with the most perks, like lounge access and tons of statement credits, can cost upward of $500 a year. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great cards with lower annual fees.

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card carries an annual fee of only $95 and currently has a limited-time sign-up bonus of 120,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $8,000 in the first three months from account opening. That bonus is worth $2,460, based on TPG’s July 2024 valuations, and is the best welcome offer we’ve ever seen on this card. And, beyond that, you can earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined spending each account anniversary year on business purchases like travel, shipping, internet, advertising and more.

In the world of personal cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also has a $95 annual fee and a limited-time welcome offer of 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in the first three months after account opening, which TPG values at $1,388. You’ll also receive a one-time $250 credit to use in the Capital One Travel portal with this offer, adding even more value. Combined, these far outweigh the annual fee in the first year. But it’s the card’s 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases and perks like a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck that make it well worth the low annual fee.

I carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which comes with a $95 annual fee, and I love it for its comprehensive travel benefits and great earning rates on the things I love most: travel, eating out and grocery orders.

Here are some handy resources for even more cards that come with an easy-to-swallow annual fee:

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Photo Credit: RGSTUDIO/GETTY IMAGES.

Today’s top stories

Delta under DOT investigation as meltdown hits Day 5, and 5,000 cancellations

Delta Air Lines' operational meltdown continued Tuesday, with the U.S. Department of Transportation opening an investigation.

Book now: Winter business-class award availability to Switzerland starting at 56K miles

It's not too late to book business-class flights to Europe this winter with points and miles on Star Alliance airlines.

Qatar Airways reveals new Qsuite business-class seats

Qatar Airways unveiled its new Qsuite business-class seats for the Boeing 777X aircraft Monday.

Fly to Europe for 12,000 ThankYou Rewards points with Citi’s latest Flying Blue transfer bonus

This transfer bonus can get you a terrific deal on a flight to Europe during the busy summer travel period.

Korean Air debuts exciting new business-class product with doors

Korean Air is launching a new business-class product — and it's debuting in just a few days.

The latest

1.	Another cruise line is about to make a comeback — in an unusual place

2.	American Airlines adds new domestic destination in Southern California

3.	The ultimate girls getaway: 11 unique destinations for unforgettable experiences

4.	Delta Air Lines meltdown: What to do if you’re stranded because of the IT outage

5.	Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya: An all-inclusive resort opting for quality over quantity

6.	Capital One discontinues Walmart card, closes applications for Savor

7.	Air India’s flagship Airbus A350 with new cabins will fly on New York routes

8.	Princess Cruises has been touting a groundbreaking new attraction. It won’t be opening

9.	Delta’s meltdown worsens with 800 cancellations Monday; now 4,000 since Friday

10.	Why I closed my first credit card, and what I’d do differently if I could go back

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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. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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