There are several high-end rewards cards available these days. These cards are not inexpensive either, with annual fees of several hundred dollars apiece.
It’s difficult to determine if these luxury cards are worth the hefty price. However, if you know how to maximize the benefits credit cards offer, the advantages they provide may actually be worth far more than the yearly fees they charge.
As a matter of fact, the most desirable premium rewards card comes with perks that might total around $5,000 annually. Of course, you might not take advantage of every single benefit, but if you do enough to justify the annual charge, the card might still be worthwhile for you.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: $4,822 Total Benefit Value
This is the reason why: At the top of our list of the best premium rewards cards is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Based on Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value as of May 2022, we calculate an astounding $4,822 value. The best features of this card are what make it so valuable overall.
- First-class companion certificate: $1,783 — The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card allows you and your partner to travel in first class, even though most companion ticket advantages require you to sit in the main cabin. Naturally, this means that you will need to purchase a first-class ticket for yourself on a round-trip domestic aircraft or a round-trip ticket to certain overseas locations.
- First-rate enhancements: $2,200 If purchasing a first-class ticket is out of your budget, you can cross your fingers and hope for an upgrade. All cardholders are eligible for the complimentary upgrades benefit, even if they do not have Delta Medallion status. You will have upgrade priority, which increases your chances of obtaining a more comfortable seat, however it is still dependent on availability.
This card clearly gives value for everyone who flies Delta at least once a year, even with an annual charge of $650, especially when going in first class.
Platinum Card® from American Express: $4,293 Total Benefit Value
Travel and lifestyle benefits are available with American Express’s well-rounded Platinum Card®, a premium rewards card. Based on the Total Benefit Value calculated by Credit Karma, we project its value to be $4,293 in May 2022.
- Airport lounges: $1,365 – You will be able to visit some of the world’s most prestigious airport lounges, such as Priority Pass lounges and the Centurion Lounge.
- Hotel credits: $850 – Enjoy perks such as complimentary breakfast, early check-in, late checkout, hotel credits, and upgraded accommodations at any luxury hotel affiliated with The Hotel Collection or Fine Hotels + Resorts.
- Fitness credits: $600 – When you buy a SoulCycle bike and a monthly membership at Equinox, you’ll receive credits.
- Digital entertainment credit: $240 – Use-it-or-lose-it money up to $20 will be given to you each month to cover the cost of some digital news and entertainment outlets.
- Cruise discounts: $300 – When you use American Express to reserve a cruise lasting at least five nights, you may be eligible to get shipboard credits that can be applied to your hotel.
Even while it’s doubtful that you’ll utilize every advantage that the American Express Platinum Card® has to offer, you should have no issue finding enough useful benefits to cover the $695 annual cost.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $1,781 Total Benefit Value
For visitors staying at hotels, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is quite affordable. We calculate the value of your vacation, even if you only take it once a year, using Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value as of May 2022.
- Weekend night reward: $720 – This is really a rather reasonable assessment of the value of Hilton’s complimentary night, believe it or not. You may even be able to utilize the benefit toward a hotel that costs more than $2,000 per night, given that it may be redeemed at some of the world’s most exclusive Hilton locations. In addition, in spite of the name, you may use your weekend night reward during the week. Among the most worthwhile benefits available from any premium rewards card is this one.
- Hilton resort statement credit: $250 – This is the ideal addition to Hilton’s complimentary night offer. This bill credit can be used to pay for an extra night’s stay or to offset any additional hotel expenses you incur.
- Property credit: $100 – Whenever you reserve a minimum of two nights at any Hilton Waldorf or Conrad property, you are able to spend this credit to indulge in activities and excursions offered by the hotel, a gourmet supper, spa treatments, or cocktails.
Avoid sleeping on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you want to get a decent night’s sleep in a posh Hilton property. The advantages are straightforward to use, applicable to the majority of passengers, and nearly four times more valuable than the $450 yearly price.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: $1,738.50 Total Benefit Value
It’s possible to improve your hotel experience with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Even if you only visit Marriott once a year, we calculate that Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value will be worth $1,738.50 in May 2022.
- Since it may be used at some of the brand’s most opulent hotels, the free night reward valued at $773.50 is the most valuable one that Marriott offers. Similar to Hilton, its actual value may exceed our approximation, contingent upon the location of redemption.
- Marriott Bonvoy property credit: $100 – When you reserve a stay of two nights or more at any Marriott Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis property, you will be credited with a property that may be used toward activities, fine dining, room service, cocktails, or spa treatments.
- Dining credit: $300 – Value is offered by this card for uses other than hotel purchases. Not just when you stay at a Marriott, but also on regular purchases, the monthly meal credit provides useful advantages.
If you stay at Marriott at least once a year, the $650 annual cost would be well worth it given the value of all these perks.
United Club℠ Infinite Card: $1,337.90 Total Benefit Value
For regular travelers who find themselves at airports frequently, the United ClubTM Infinite Card is an excellent option. In May 2022, we project its value to be $1,337.90 using Credit Karma’s Total Benefit Value.
- United Club membership: $650 – You’ll like having unrestricted access to United Club lounges if you like to unwind there.
- Award flight discounts: $102.90 – By using your United MileagePlus miles to reserve United Economy Saver award tickets, you may be able to save 10%.
- Free checked bags: $320 – This airline credit is significantly more beneficial than other credit cards (which usually only provide one free checked bag) for travelers who pack their whole closet for a trip. You receive two free checked bags when you travel on United.
Given that the United ClubTM Infinite Card costs $525 annually, frequent travelers who travel frequently and live out of their suitcases should be the only people who consider getting one. See our review of the United ClubTM Infinite Card for additional information.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $1,146 Total Benefit Value
Some of the most adaptable premium rewards advantages are available with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Based on the Total Benefit Value calculated by Credit Karma, we project its value to be $1,146 in May 2022.
- Travel credit: $300 – This is the most accommodating credit available. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® immediately reimburses you for practically any travel-related transaction, while some other premium rewards cards have a number of limits on their travel credits.
- Airport lounges: $461 – Priority Pass Select membership is included at no cost. There are a lot of lounges accessible, so chances are you’ll find one wherever you travel.
- Food delivery: $360 – You’ll always have plenty to eat with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® between DoorDash and Instacart. Each month, you’ll get $15 in credits for Instacart and $5 for DoorDash. You’ll also get a free premium membership to both services, which may enable you to get free delivery and lower service costs.
For those who travel at least once a year and regularly order takeout, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card may be worth the $550 annual cost due to its superior advantages.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: $1,089 Total Benefit Value
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a simple premium rewards card with next-level benefits that are useful, convenient, and affordable. Based on the Total Benefit Value determined by Credit Karma, we project its value to be $1,089 in May 2022.
- Travel credit: $300 – You may get up to $300 in travel credits annually to go on hotel and airfare purchases when you make your travel arrangements directly with Capital One.
- Anniversary bonus miles: $173 – The yearly cost may be partially offset by the 10,000 bonus miles you get annually on the anniversary of your account.
- Airport lounges: $591 – While you wait for your trip, you may unwind at a few chic Capital One Lounges. Plus, a free Priority Pass Select membership gives you access to even more airport lounges worldwide.
In comparison to several other cards on this list, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a more affordable annual cost of $395. Additionally, the obvious advantages might help you get the most out of this card for your money.
How we picked the most valuable premium rewards cards
We used Credit Karma’s Total perk Value, which calculates the potential value of a credit card if each perk is used once a year, to rank the most valued premium rewards cards.
Seven cards totaling at least $1,000 were identified, and we arranged them in order of value. Our estimates show that the benefit value of each of these cards more than doubles the yearly cost.
How to make the most of your premium rewards benefits
It’s wonderful to find a worthwhile premium rewards card, but there are other things to think about. The real value you’ll get ultimately relies on the benefits you take advantage of and how frequently you do so. Therefore, it’s crucial to take into account how useful and simple the advantages are to use and select a credit card that aligns with your spending patterns.
