How to Tell If a Premium Travel Card Is Worth the Fee

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Learn when pricey travel cards are worth it and how to pick the one that gives you the most value.

Are premium travel cards worth the high price tag? How do you decide which one(s) to keep in your wallet? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the real-world math of annual fees and rewards to help you understand when these cards pay for themselves. But first, show producer Tess Vigeland joins Meghan to cover the week’s travel headlines, including new airport lounges opening in Salt Lake City, the Southwest Rapid Rewards debit card launch, Wells Fargo adding JetBlue as a transfer partner, Wyndham Rewards ending its partnership with Vacasa, and United Airlines’ new route to Bangkok.

Then, Sally and Meghan dig into how to evaluate premium travel credit cards, from lounge access and retail credits to transfer partners and redemption value. They walk through top-tier general cards including the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and Citi Strata Elite, comparing benefits, costs, and travel protections. The hosts also cover premium airline and hotel cards, including those from Delta, United, American, Hilton, and Marriott, explaining who they’re for and when the perks truly add up. They explain how to calculate if you’re offsetting your annual fees, why lounge access matters for frequent flyers, and how to think about long-term value when juggling multiple cards.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• • Southwest’s New Debit Card Lets You Earn Points

  • Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards of November 2025

  • Wells Fargo Autograph Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee

  • Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Review: Highly Rewarding for Travelers

  • American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: Pay the Price, Enjoy the Perks

  • Capital One Venture X Review: Big Value for Travelers

  • Citi Strata Elite Review: Premium Perks Can Offset Its Premium Fee

  • Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Unique as They Are Valuable

  • Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® Review: Admirals Club Access

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Review: Lofty Fee, Luxury Perks

  • United Quest Card: Piles of Perks and Credits, $350 Annual Fee

  • United Club℠ Infinite Card Review: For Frequent United Flyers

  • Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price

  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Review: Rich Perks, Costly Fee

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited Card Review

  Chase Freedom Flex: Multiple Bonus Rewards in One Card

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Inside the New Salt Lake City Delta Sky Club: Giant and Cozy

• What Credit Cards Can Get Me Into the Delta Sky Club?

• New AmEx Centurion Lounge SLC: Fireplaces and an Outdoor Terrace

• How to Get Into AmEx Centurion Lounges: Credit Cards That Grant Access

• The Guide to Capital One Lounges

• 11 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance

• Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator

• Delta SkyMiles Value Calculator

• Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You? (June episode on the Chase Sapphire Reserve)

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.

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