New Perks and Higher Fees: A Mixed Bag for Travel Credit Cardholders
Credit card companies are rolling out new features and increasing fees, which have sparked mixed reactions from users. While some of the added benefits may seem appealing at first glance, many consumers are finding that the perks don’t always align with their spending habits or travel needs.
The changes appear to be a response to the growing number of users accessing exclusive airport lounges, which led to overcrowding and forced some lounges to close or limit access. This has prompted major players like Chase, American Express, and Capital One to re-evaluate how they offer value to their most loyal customers.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: A Shift in Benefits
One of the most significant updates comes from the Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa. Existing cardholders won’t see all the changes until October 2025, but there are already concerns about the new structure. The annual fee has increased by nearly $250, now sitting at $795, and the cost for authorized users has more than doubled to $195.
Despite these increases, the card still offers a $300 travel credit and access to the Visa Infinite network, one of the most widely accepted global networks. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve maintains its comprehensive suite of travel protections, including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fee credits.
New welcome offers include 100,000 bonus points and a $500 Chase Travel promo credit for those who spend $5,000 within the first three months. Cardholders also earn eight points per dollar on travel booked through Chase, with four points per dollar on hotel stays and flights.
However, the card is introducing some new restrictions. For instance, two $250 credits per year are available for The Edit hotel portal, and two $150 credits for restaurants in the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program. These require cardholders to use them at least twice annually.
Another major change involves the Points Boost program, which replaces the previous Ultimate Points system. Previously, points were worth 1.5 cents each, but now they’re only worth 1 cent, except for select offers that boost the value to between 1.5 and 2 cents. This shift has left many users confused about how to maximize their rewards.
Capital One Venture X: Balancing Rewards and Restrictions
Capital One’s Venture X card is also undergoing major changes. It continues to offer a $300 annual travel credit, though it’s limited to purchases made through its travel portal. New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
The card provides four points per dollar on direct airline and hotel bookings, and between 5 and 10 miles per dollar on other travel-related purchases. It also includes no foreign transaction fees and cell phone insurance when autopaying bills.
However, the card is reducing some of its rewards. Users will now earn just one point per dollar on non-direct travel purchases, such as car rentals and train tickets. Additionally, airport lounge access for authorized users is being removed, and free guest entries into Capital One lounges are now restricted to those who spend $75,000 annually.
American Express Platinum Card: Targeting Gen Z
American Express is focusing on younger users, particularly Generation Z, with its latest updates. The company claims that the growth in Gen Z cardholders has been driven by their subscription-based mindset, influenced by services like Spotify and Netflix.
The new perks include expanded access to premium Centurion airport lounges and premier reservation access for dining and winery experiences through platforms like Tock and Resy. However, details about the timeline and exact features remain unclear.
Navigating the Changes
With these updates, many cardholders are reassessing their strategies. Some are looking for alternative cards or ways to maximize their existing points, while others are exploring outside methods to secure premium travel deals.
Whether these changes will lead to long-term dissatisfaction or if users will adapt to the new structures remains to be seen. For now, it’s clear that the landscape of high-end travel credit cards is evolving, and consumers must carefully evaluate what works best for their spending habits and travel goals.
