Overview
- American Express lifted the Platinum Card’s annual fee to $895 and added enrollable credits such as up to $300 at lululemon and up to $200 toward a new Oura ring.
- Chase raised the Sapphire Reserve fee to $795 and Citi introduced the $595 Citi Strata Elite, both leaning on brand-focused statement credits to headline value.
- Critics describe the shift as a “coupon book” model that restricts broad utility, though frequent travelers who use lounge access, elite status and transfer partners can still come out ahead.
- The Points Guy highlights lower-fee hotel cards as strong options, noting Hyatt’s card delivers the highest estimated return on Hyatt stays and IHG Premier packs standout perks for $99.
- Advice across coverage stresses picking cards like Sapphire Preferred, Citi Strata Premier or Capital One Venture (and Venture X for simpler premium perks) based on real travel and spending patterns.