<\/p>\n
\n With the annual fees increasing on <\/span> \n For these two cards alone, we\u2019ll be paying nearly $1,700 in annual fees next year. While that may seem excessive, I believe it enables us to travel more frequently and comfortably than we could by simply spending that amount.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n Maximizing the benefits of both credit card rewards programs remains worthwhile for us, and possibly for other households as well. Here\u2019s why.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n Despite the increased annual fee, the enhanced credits on <\/span> \n With the digital entertainment credit, Uber Cash, my boyfriend\u2019s Uber One subscription, and Resy credits on <\/span> \n This doesn\u2019t even include other indulgences we treat ourselves to, thanks to the credits on this card: a new cropped Lululemon top for me, the fancy hand soap from Saks that my boyfriend loves, and a <\/span> \n Essentially, the AmEx credits effectively cancel out the annual fee for us. Ironically, earning AmEx points feels more like a bonus than the primary reason for retaining this card.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n While the credits from <\/span> \n Instead, we primarily use the <\/span> \n Compared to <\/span> \n \n I\u2019m aware that Chase has recently devalued many redemptions in its travel portal and introduced the more limited Points Boost-eligible redemptions. One of my fellow writers even referred to it as a \u201c<\/span> \n As someone who enjoys high-end hotels while traveling, I\u2019ve been pleasantly surprised by the Points Boost properties available through Chase\u2019s travel portal. I managed to book hotels that are part of Marriott\u2019s boutique brand at a redemption rate of nearly 2 cents per point. This rate is almost double the value I would have received by booking with Marriott points. According to NerdWallet, <\/span>
\n The Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/span>
\n and the <\/span>
\n Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/span>
\n , many premium credit cardholders are reevaluating their choices. In my household, my boyfriend and I have decided to keep one of each card between us.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n The credits on the AmEx Platinum can justify the annual fee<\/span>
\n <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n The Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n can translate into savings on expenses I already incur: my subscriptions to the New York Times and Disney+, my monthly Ubers (typically to and from the airport), and dining out at restaurants available on Resy, an online reservation platform.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n The Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/span>
\n , we\u2019re already gaining over $1,000 in value. (Enrollment required. Terms apply).<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n CLEAR+<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n membership just because. Enrollment required. Terms apply.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n The <\/span>
\n Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/span>
\n \u2019s points are easier to earn and redeem<\/span>
\n <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n The Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/span>
\n cover a wide range of expenses, the <\/span>
\n
\n Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n offers more limited credits. The standout is the automatic $300 travel credit, but the <\/span>
\n
\n new hotel credits<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n through Chase’s travel portal and dining credits can be trickier to utilize.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/span>
\n for most travel and restaurant expenses because the points we accumulate are incredibly valuable.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n The Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/span>
\n , the <\/span>
\n Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/span>
\n earns more points per dollar on direct hotel bookings and dining. The bonus category for direct hotel bookings is crucial for me, as I prefer not to book through travel portals or online agencies to avoid complications and preserve my hotel loyalty benefits.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n Chase\u2019s transfer partners<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n are also more beneficial for me. I can consistently achieve <\/span>
\n
\n 1.8 cents<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n or more in value when transferring my Chase Ultimate Rewards\u00ae points to World of Hyatt for award redemptions. There\u2019s nothing more satisfying than redeeming 45,000 points or less per night for a luxury hotel stay, as I\u2019ve done numerous times with the <\/span>
\n
\n Hyatt award chart<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n .<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n points bust<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n .\u201d However, I want to highlight one positive aspect: hotel redemptions in the Chase travel portal.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Marriott points<\/span>
\n <\/a>
\n are valued at just <\/span>
\n 0.8 cent<\/span>
\n each.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n